Nagpur, Mar 27: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced plans to implement a satellite-based toll collection system, replacing the current toll plaza system. Under this new system, toll fees will be deducted directly from bank accounts based on the distance traveled by vehicles.
“We are discontinuing the existing toll system. Instead, we will introduce a satellite-based toll collection system. Toll charges will be calculated based on the total distance traveled, resulting in time and fuel savings,” stated Gadkari on Wednesday.
Addressing concerns over high toll taxes, Gadkari emphasized the time and fuel saved by using highways. He illustrated this with an example, highlighting the reduced travel time between Mumbai and Pune from nine hours to just two hours, resulting in significant fuel savings.
Gadkari expressed confidence that by 2024, the National Highways’ road network would match that of the United States of America, aiming for transformative changes in the country’s infrastructure.
“Our department’s contribution will be crucial in achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of a five trillion-dollar economy. We are committed to building world-class national highways to support this goal,” he asserted.
Acknowledging his failure to curb road accidents during his tenure, Gadkari emphasized the need for behavioral change and road safety awareness to address this issue effectively.
“It saddens me that we have not been able to prevent accidents. However, I am confident that through behavioral changes and increased awareness, we can improve road safety and achieve positive results,” Gadkari concluded.
