Nitin Gadkari Announces End of Toll System, Introduces Satellite-Based Collection

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari made a groundbreaking announcement, declaring the imminent end of toll booths and the introduction of a new satellite-based toll collection system. Speaking to the news agency, Gadkari revealed the government’s plan to implement a revolutionary toll collection mechanism that will deduct funds directly from bank accounts based on the distance traveled.

Gadkari emphasized the efficiency and cost-saving benefits of the new system, highlighting how it will streamline travel and eliminate the need for time-consuming toll booth stops. He underscored the significant reduction in travel time between Mumbai and Pune, from nine hours to just two hours, attributing it to the improved infrastructure facilitated by the government’s initiatives.

Addressing concerns about high toll taxes, Gadkari defended the necessity of tolls, citing the savings in time and fuel consumption enabled by well-maintained highways. He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in funding infrastructure projects, acknowledging the need to repay investments while ensuring the efficient functioning of road networks.

Gadkari also discussed the Bharatmala Pariyojana, a major initiative aimed at developing economic corridors spanning approximately 26,000 kilometers. He expressed confidence in the project’s transformative impact on the nation’s infrastructure, envisioning a future where India’s road network rivals that of developed nations like the United States.

With ambitious goals set for the completion of key infrastructure projects by 2024, Gadkari exuded optimism about the country’s trajectory. He affirmed his commitment to realizing his vision of a robust and extensive network of national highways, poised to propel India’s development and prosperity to new heights.