Mangaluru, Jun 16: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is considering introducing automatic toll payment via GPS on the country’s highways. While this system promises numerous benefits, it also raises significant concerns regarding privacy and cybersecurity.
Toll collection underwent a major transformation in 2021 with the introduction of the Fastag system. Looking ahead, a system using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for direct payments from bank accounts or prepaid methods is planned.
The new system aims to provide a seamless journey by eliminating stops at toll gates, reducing waiting times, preventing traffic congestion, and improving fuel efficiency. It also aims to prevent income leakage and increase transparency. Mandatory GPS installation on all vehicles will also aid in faster crime tracking.
However, the installation of GPS raises privacy concerns. It would enable third parties to access information about an individual’s journey, compromising public privacy and potentially allowing others to track travelers. This has led to resistance against the mandatory installation of GPS.
Cybersecurity is another major concern. Online frauds are prevalent in banking, online purchases, and property registration. Ensuring cybersecurity in this new toll collection system poses a significant challenge for the Union Road Ministry. Additionally, integrating new technology with the existing infrastructure will be difficult. The ongoing highway widening projects are already progressing slowly, raising doubts about the timely implementation of the proposed system.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aims to significantly increase toll revenue by simplifying the toll collection method. The proposed satellite-based toll payment system is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve the flow of traffic on highways.
Although Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had announced on March 22, 2022, that tolls would not be collected at gates within 60 km of each other, this policy has not been implemented even after two years. Toll collection continues unabated. Toll officials question whether private companies that invested in highway construction will cease toll collection.
Currently, vehicles are only charged tolls at toll gates, regardless of the distance traveled. However, with GPS installation, charges will be automatically deducted via satellite, even for short distances of two kilometers. Vehicle users believe this system may be beneficial on high-traffic highways like Noida, but there is skepticism about its broader application.
