What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazards? (150 words)
The FASTag system, launched in 2014, is the primary technology for electronic toll collection (ETC) on Indian highways. It uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) for automatic toll deduction from prepaid accounts.
Technology Being Employed:
- RFID-based FASTag: Uses a tag on vehicles with linked prepaid accounts; sensors at toll plazas read this for toll deduction.
Advantages:
- Reduced Waiting Time: Cuts down toll plaza congestion, saving up to 20 minutes per trip (MoRTH, 2022).
- Fuel Efficiency: Minimizes fuel wastage by 2-3% due to non-stop travel.
- Transparency: Ensures accurate toll collection, reducing revenue leakage.
- Digital Payment Promotion: Promotes cashless transactions, aiding financial inclusion.
Limitations:
- Technical Glitches: Network issues can cause deduction failures.
- Tag Misplacement: Improper tag placement results in detection failure.
- Limited Coverage: Not all toll plazas are equipped with ETC technology.
Proposed Changes:
- GPS-based Tolling: Introduction of GPS-based toll systems ensures toll collection based on distance traveled, improving efficiency.
Potential Hazards:
- Privacy Concerns: GPS tracking could lead to data breaches.
- Cybersecurity Risks: Increased digital reliance could attract hacking attempts.
Conclusion: Strengthening data security and enhancing GPS infrastructure can ensure a seamless, safer electronic tolling system in India.
