Will FASTag Be Removed from Your Car? GPS to Take Over from May 1 – Big Rule Change Ahead!

GPS-Based Toll System : Starting May 1, 2025, a revolutionary change is expected in India’s highway toll collection system. The government is planning to shift from the existing FASTag-based toll system to a more advanced GPS-based tolling method. This change is aimed at making toll payments seamless, reducing congestion at toll booths, and improving transparency in road usage charges. But what does it mean for your current FASTag? Will it become obsolete? Let’s dive into the details of this new system and what it means for vehicle owners.

What Is the GPS-Based Toll System?

The GPS-based toll collection system is a satellite-driven method to track vehicle movement and automatically deduct toll charges based on distance traveled. Unlike the traditional FASTag model, which deducts a fixed toll amount at specific points, the GPS system allows dynamic, real-time toll deduction.

Key Highlights:

• Toll charged based on actual distance traveled on the highway.
• No need to stop at toll plazas.
• Linked with vehicle’s GPS and bank account for seamless payments.
• Monitored and controlled via a centralized digital system.
• Expected to eliminate long queues and delays at toll booths.

FASTag vs GPS-Based Tolling – Key Differences

Feature	FASTag-Based Tolling	GPS-Based Tolling
Toll Method	RFID tag scanned at plaza	Distance-based via GPS tracking
Physical Toll Plaza	Mandatory	Not required
Payment Mode	Linked Wallet/Bank Account	Direct Bank Account Linkage
Speed of Operation	Moderate	High – No Stoppage Required
Accuracy of Charges	Fixed per plaza	Exact based on km travelled
Infrastructure Needed	Toll Booth, Scanner	GPS device, Satellite Network
Vehicle Stoppage	Required at booth	None – Fully Automatic
Operational Date	Ongoing	Expected rollout from May 1, 2025

Why the Shift from FASTag to GPS-Based Tolling?

The government’s move to replace FASTag with GPS tolling comes with several intended benefits that aim to improve the efficiency and accuracy of toll collection across national highways.

Benefits of the GPS-Based Tolling System:

• Completely contactless tolling experience.
• Reduction in toll fraud and misuse.
• Real-time traffic monitoring and route planning.
• Better fuel efficiency due to reduced idle time.
• No need for recharging or physical tags.

Who Will Be Affected by This New Rule?

The new tolling rule will primarily affect:

• New vehicle buyers post-May 2025 (who may get factory-fitted GPS toll systems).
• Existing FASTag users (who may need to transition to GPS tolling).
• Fleet operators and logistics companies.
• Frequent inter-state commuters.

Category of Vehicle Owner	Impact Level	Action Needed
New Car Owners (Post May 2025)	High	May come with pre-installed GPS
Existing FASTag Users	Moderate	Update to GPS toll system soon
Commercial Fleet Operators	Very High	Bulk installation of GPS devices
Rural/Occasional Users	Low	Minimal initial impact
Government & Emergency Vehicles	Variable	As per policy
Logistics & Transport Companies	Very High	Integration with fleet tracking
Private Long-Distance Travellers	Moderate	Will need GPS adaptation

How Will the Toll Be Deducted Using GPS?

The process of toll deduction in the GPS-based system will be automatic and transparent. Here’s how it will work:

• Every vehicle will have a GPS device installed.
• The vehicle’s movement on tollable highways will be tracked via satellites.
• Based on the kilometers traveled on chargeable routes, the system will calculate toll in real time.
• The amount will be directly debited from the linked bank account or digital wallet.
• A digital receipt will be sent via SMS or email.

Major Cities and Highways in Pilot Testing

Before nationwide implementation, the GPS tolling system is being tested in select corridors.

Highway Name	Pilot Status	City/State Covered
Delhi–Mumbai Expressway	Ongoing Pilot	Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, MH
Bengaluru–Chennai Corridor	Testing Phase	Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
Eastern Peripheral Expressway	Completed Trial	NCR Region
Lucknow–Agra Expressway	Upcoming Pilot	Uttar Pradesh
Mumbai–Pune Expressway	Live Soon	Maharashtra
Chennai Outer Ring Road	Under Review	Tamil Nadu
Hyderabad Ring Road	Announced	Telangana

What You Should Do Before May 1

If you’re a car owner, here are a few things you can do to be ready for this transition:

• Keep an eye out for government notifications regarding mandatory GPS installation.
• Visit your nearest RTO or authorized GPS installation center if required.
• Ensure your vehicle documents and mobile number are updated.
• Link your vehicle to your bank account for direct toll deduction.
• Check for government portals where you can track toll history and receipts.

Future of FASTag – Will It Be Completely Removed?

As per early reports, the government may not entirely eliminate FASTag immediately. A parallel system could run for a few months to ensure a smooth transition. However, by the end of 2025, FASTag might be gradually phased out.

Expected Timeline:

Phase	Timeline	Details
Pilot Launch	Jan–Apr 2025	Selected Highways
Nationwide Rollout	From May 1, 2025	All National Highways Phase 1
Parallel System	May–Dec 2025	FASTag + GPS Coexistence
Full GPS Adoption	Early 2026	FASTag Phase-out Begins
FASTag Discontinuation	Mid 2026 (Expected)	Only GPS Tolling Active

The move from FASTag to GPS-based toll collection marks a significant milestone in India’s digital road infrastructure journey. With a focus on accuracy, speed, and convenience, this upgrade aims to eliminate the hassle of toll booths and usher in a fully automated system. Vehicle owners should stay informed and prepare for this transition to ensure uninterrupted highway travel.

The information presented in this article is based on available government reports and media updates as of April 2025. Implementation dates and rules may change subject to official announcements. Please refer to the official NHAI or MoRTH websites for the latest updates.