Delhi Meerut Expressway to Pioneer New Toll Collection System Using ANPR

A New Era of Seamless Toll Collection Across Indian Highways

The Delhi-Meerut Expressway is all set to become a national model for toll collection with the introduction of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. This advanced system is being positioned as the future of tolling across expressways and national highways in India. By enabling toll deduction without stopping vehicles, it aims to reduce congestion and waiting time at toll plazas — especially for trucks, 3-wheelers (3Ws), and other commercial vehicles that often experience delays.

Key Highlights of the ANPR Tolling System

Here are the main features of the new toll collection system that make it faster and more efficient:

• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): High-definition cameras installed at entry and exit points scan vehicle number plates.
   
• Fastag Integration: Toll amounts are automatically deducted from Fastag accounts linked to the vehicle’s number plate.
   
• No Vehicle Stoppage Required: Vehicles, including freight trucks and goods carriers, can maintain consistent speed while passing through toll gates.
   
• Nationwide Rollout Plan: After the pilot success on Delhi-Meerut Expressway, MoRTH plans to implement this system across India.
   
• No GPS-based Tolling: The government has decided not to proceed with GPS-based toll systems due to concerns over security and accuracy.

What is ANPR Technology?

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) uses high-resolution cameras to read and record vehicle registration numbers. These cameras, installed at toll booth entry and exit points, scan the number plates as vehicles pass. This system is especially beneficial for commercial vehicles like cargo trucks, logistics vans, and 3-wheel electric goods carriers, which often face long queues at toll booths.

Statements from the Ministry

A senior official from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) stated, “The success of ANPR on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway proves that this system can revolutionise toll collection in India. Our objective is to remove bottlenecks and improve travel efficiency for all road users.”

The official further confirmed that concerns raised around GPS-based tolling—especially related to data privacy and operational reliability—led to a re-evaluation of the technology. An expert committee also flagged several technical issues, following which the ministry opted for ANPR as a more feasible alternative.

Reduced Congestion and Smoother Travel

The ANPR-based tolling system is designed to improve the overall driving experience on Indian highways. With faster toll transactions and no need to queue, travel time is expected to decrease significantly.

Moreover, by eliminating stoppages, the system contributes to reduced vehicular emissions, supporting environmental sustainability goals.

Outlook for Nationwide Expansion

Given the success of the pilot implementation on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, MoRTH has already announced plans to expand this technology to other national expressways and highways. This is part of a larger plan to modernise India’s road transport infrastructure and digitise toll collection systems — a move that will greatly benefit the truck drivers, commercial vehicle operators, and 3W electric cargo fleet owners.

With this move, India takes another step toward a more efficient, tech-driven highway network that prioritises speed, safety, and sustainability.

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