India's first barrier-less tolling system has been inaugurated at the Choryasi toll plaza on the Surat-Bharuch highway in Gujarat, marking a significant milestone in the country's road infrastructure. The system, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technologies, allows vehicles to pass through without stopping, reducing congestion and travel time.
How the System Works
Unlike traditional toll plazas where vehicles must halt to pay fees, the barrier-less system reads RFID tags affixed to vehicles or captures license plate numbers via ANPR cameras. Toll charges are automatically deducted from linked prepaid accounts or billed later. This ensures seamless traffic flow and eliminates bottlenecks.
Key Features
- RFID Technology: Vehicles equipped with RFID stickers are detected instantly as they approach the plaza.
- ANPR Cameras: For vehicles without RFID, cameras capture number plates for electronic billing.
- No Barriers: Physical barriers are removed, allowing vehicles to maintain speed.
- Real-time Monitoring: Centralized system tracks all transactions and vehicle movements.
Benefits for Commuters
The system is expected to save time for daily commuters and reduce fuel consumption caused by idling at toll booths. It also minimizes pollution and enhances road safety by preventing sudden stops. The Gujarat government plans to expand such systems to other highways across the state.
Implementation Details
The Choryasi toll plaza, located on the busy Surat-Bharuch highway, handles thousands of vehicles daily. The barrier-less system has been installed after successful trials and is now operational for all vehicle categories. Users can register online to link their vehicles to the toll payment system.
Future Plans
This initiative aligns with the central government's push for digital payments and smart infrastructure. Similar barrier-less tolling systems are being considered for other national highways to improve efficiency and user experience. The success of this pilot project will guide future deployments.
