The Dwarka Expressway in New Delhi is poised to become India’s first highway to adopt a Free Flow Tolling system, a state-of-the-art toll collection technology designed to streamline travel by eliminating the need for traditional toll plazas. This system will enable vehicles to pass through toll zones without halting, offering a smoother and more efficient journey for commuters.
Key Features of the Free Flow Tolling System
- Advanced Technology: The tolling system employs cutting-edge FASTag readers and high-resolution cameras mounted on overhead gantries. These devices can scan vehicle registration numbers and FASTag tags, even at speeds reaching 100 km/h. As vehicles pass under the gantries, the toll is automatically deducted from the linked FASTag account, removing the need for manual payment.
- No Traffic Jams: One of the standout benefits is the reduction of traffic congestion. Traditional toll plazas often cause traffic bottlenecks as vehicles slow down, stop, and wait to pay. Free Flow Tolling, however, ensures a continuous flow of traffic, significantly cutting travel time and improving the overall driving experience.
Benefits of Free Flow Tolling
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: The elimination of toll plazas will ensure a smoother flow of traffic, reducing bottlenecks and long queues.
- Time Efficiency: Drivers will experience faster travel times, as they no longer need to stop for toll payments.
- Environmental Impact: Continuous traffic flow reduces the frequent stops and starts, leading to lower fuel consumption and emissions, thus minimizing the environmental impact.
- Enhanced Road Safety: The absence of abrupt lane changes or sudden braking near toll plazas will enhance road safety, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
- Operational Efficiency: Automating toll collection will lower operational costs, reduce human error, and streamline overall toll management.
- Driver Convenience: The hassle-free experience allows for seamless travel, without the need to stop or carry cash for toll payments.
Technology Behind the System
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): High-powered cameras on gantries capture vehicle license plate numbers as they pass, ensuring accurate identification.
- RFID Transponders: The system relies on FASTag technology, which uses RFID transponders to automatically deduct toll payments.
- Overhead Gantries: These structures hold the cameras and FASTag readers, strategically placed to ensure smooth data capture from passing vehicles.
- Backend Processing: The data captured by the cameras and readers is transmitted to a central system that processes payments in real-time by matching vehicle details with toll accounts.
Nationwide Expansion Potential
This project is part of the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) broader initiative to modernize tolling systems across the country. If the pilot project on Dwarka Expressway is successful, Free Flow Tolling may soon be implemented on highways across India, marking a significant shift in the country’s road infrastructure and toll collection methods.