Great news for drivers using the NHAI toll plazas! The central government is looking into launching a ‘Monthly Toll Tax Smart Card.’ Union Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari is all for rolling this out nationwide.
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This smart card will work at all toll plazas across the country, and cardholders will enjoy some toll tax exemptions. This move could really help out commercial vehicles and those who travel often on expressways. Sources say Gadkari is keen on getting this scheme up and running soon.
The government is also working on a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for toll collection, which raises the question of how the smart card will function. Officials mentioned that it will take some time to fully implement the GNSS system nationwide. Once it’s in place, vehicles will have a small device that deducts fees based on their travel on toll roads. Plus, the smart card will be integrated into the satellite toll system, allowing frequent travelers to pay based on a monthly pass.
Will everyone benefit from this?
Officials from the Ministry haven’t clearly stated whether those who don’t use monthly passes will still have to pay the current toll fees or if they’ll receive some sort of discount. However, it’s clear that regular commuters are set to enjoy significant savings on tolls with the new smart card system.
Experts think this smart card will be especially helpful for commercial vehicles that often cover long distances. It’s expected to simplify toll payments and cut costs for regular travelers. A final decision on this government initiative could be made soon, and once it’s rolled out, millions of commuters nationwide are likely to see a reduction in toll expenses.