GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) (Syllabus GS Paper 2/3 – Governance/Sci and Tech)

Context: The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORTH) has developed a Geographic Information System (GIS).

Geographic Information System (GIS)

• About: It is based software for real-time monitoring of wait times at highway toll plazas, which it says will allow commuters to check congestion at the level of specific lanes to ensure smoother traffic flows.
• Developed by: Indian Highways Management Company Ltd (IHMCL), a company pro- moted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
• Monitoring System

oThe software will display the name and location of toll plazas.

oReal-time updates on queue lengths, wait times, and vehicle speeds will be provided.

• Satellite-Based Tolling System:

oGNSS-Based Tolling: The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) will replace the FASTag system, eliminating congestion at toll booths.

üA GNSS constitutes a network of satellites that broadcast timing and orbital data, serving the purpose of navigation and positioning measurements.

oDistance-Based Charges: Users will be charged based on the distance traveled on National Highways.

oSimultaneous Systems: Initially, GNSS-based tolling will operate alongside FASTag for a smooth transition.

oAutomatic Payments: Toll payments will be automatically debited using on-board units, without boom barriers

FASTag Usage Statistics

• About: FASTag, launched in 2015 and mandatory since February 2021, uses RFID technology for toll collection.
• As of March 2024, over 98% of toll payments at National Highway toll plazas are made using FASTag, according to MORTH data.