Centre defers satellite-based toll over privacy and security concerns

The Union government has deferred the launch of its satellite-based toll collection system due to concerns over security and privacy, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The decision follows recommendations from an apex committee and a high-level empowered committee comprising industry and academic experts, who called for further deliberations on the matter.

Gadkari emphasized that in light of these concerns—particularly regarding data privacy, potential breaches, and overall operational control—the government would continue with the existing FASTag system for automatic toll collection. FASTag, introduced in 2016 and operated by the National Highway Authority of India, employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to facilitate toll payments directly from prepaid or savings accounts.

The proposed Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based tolling system would use satellites and onboard vehicle units to calculate toll fees based on the distance traveled. However, the minister pointed out that India would require additional satellite infrastructure and specialized receivers to precisely determine vehicle positions before implementing the new system.

Previously, government officials had informed a parliamentary panel that India would need a fully operational indigenous satellite navigation system to ensure citizen privacy before rolling out satellite-based tolling. Currently, the most widely used Global Navigation Satellite System is the United States-operated Global Positioning System (GPS).