Smart Card to bring in swipe and drive; RFID technology to enable wireless and drive through operation

Vehicle owners, who frequently pass through toll gates, can now opt for a prepaid smartcard, which can be swiped at the toll gate and the appropriate amount will then be deducted by the automated smart card reader. Further, the electronic toll gate system through its RFID solution, which will be fitted in the vehicle, will enable a wireless transaction, allowing the vehicle to move on without making a stop. The moment the vehicle comes within 50 metres of the toll gate, the RFID unit in the vehicle communicates with the ETC RFID unit at the tollgate, which establishes identity, deducts the appropriate toll amount and electronically instructs the toll gate/barricade to be opened, the vehicle will pas through the toll gate without having to stop.

"By leveraging the use of Smart Card and RFID technology in ETC, we have put India on par with the rest of the world, where these systems are already in use," says G V Prasada Rao, head of the instruments and systems division - ECIL, which is responsible for developing the ETC

ECIL, a pioneer of indigenous electronic revolution in India, was established in 1967 under the department of Atomic Energy. With a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore, ECIL is well-known for its technological innovations and strong R&D focus, major systems design capability.