Implementation of the Next Step of Toll Tax Collection – GPS Based Tolling

1. Implementation of the Next Step of Toll Tax Collection – GPS Based Tolling The implemented reforms in the field of toll tax collection in India are not a new subject. With the initiatives proposed and supervised by Mr Akhilesh Srivastava, CGM (IT and Highway Operations) of NHAI, the collection of toll tax at the booths have become a lot efficient and transparent. After the successful implementation of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) and FASTag with regards to the drive of Digital India, NHAI, under the supervision of Mr Akhilesh Srivastava is going to integrate yet another impactful initiative with regards to toll tax collection. The GPS based tolling or geo-fencing as many term it as is expected to make an impactful effect on the aspect of tax collection in India. The project is still in progress and is going to be launched in a pilot run on the Delhi-Mumbai highway in the coming weeks. Mr Akhilesh Srivastava was the one who initiated the concept of e-tolling and is taking the same to the next level with geo- fencing. The pilot run is going to be finally launched after NHAI finalises the toll rates. This move, as discussed by Mr Srivastava is definitely going to be a game changer for both the commuters and the infrastructure companies. Under this initiative, the commuters only have to pay for the amount of distance they travel on the roads. The “Pay as you travel” is definitely going to ensure transparency in the tax collection process and cut down the unnecessary wastage of time that the commuters faced with manual toll tax collection. The project of GPS-based tolling is going to integrate the concept of FASTag which was a project that Mr Akhilesh Srivastava executed with finesse. With geo-fencing, the vehicles under trial will be fitted with the FASTag sticker which will ensure automatic deduction of the amount from the linked account. The amount deducted from the user’s account will be credited to the concessionaire’s account in a day or so. After the first phase of implementation of the project of Electronic Toll Collection, Mr Srivastava is working to ensure that at least one lane at every toll booth is dedicated to the same. This will reduce the rate of traffic congestion and promote efficiency in the process of toll tax collection. This, integrated with the GPS based tolling will streamline the process of toll tax collection and promote effortless traffic flow at the toll plazas which has been a matter of concern in the present days. Mr Srivastava recently attended the 4th Annual Roads and Highways event conducted by the International Road Federation of Geneva from April 09th – April 11th, 2018. The event was held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore. Akhilesh Srivastava, along with two other distinguished panellists talked on the subject of OBOR (One Belt One Road) on the first day of the event itself. Apart from that, he also spoke on the topic of Highway Modernisation and the various effects of it on the overall infrastructural development of the construction industry. #AkhileshSrivastava #FASTags #TollTaxCollection