Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Approves Digital Toll Plazas Across Province 2025
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Approves Digital Toll Plazas Across Province 2025 has officially approved the complete digitalization of all toll plazas across the province starting in 2025. The plan aims to eliminate manual token-based systems and replace them with a high-tech electronic toll collection (ETC) model, similar to the motorway e-tag system.
The new system introduces a unified “One App, One System” digital framework that will integrate 38 toll plazas across Punjab into a centralized electronic payment network. This modern setup is designed to ensure faster travel, transparent tax collection, and zero room for corruption or manual errors. With this upgrade, drivers will no longer be required to stop at toll booths, pay cash, or collect printed receipts. Instead, toll payments will be processed automatically through RFID tags, QR-code scanners, digital wallets, and linked bank accounts, making the entire process fully contactless and hassle-free.
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Key Features of the Digital Toll Plaza System
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| One App, One System | A unified mobile application for toll recharge, travel history, and account management |
| RFID & QR-Based Smart Gates | Automatic deduction of toll without stopping |
| Cashless Transactions | Integration with JazzCash, Easypaisa, Bank Apps & Debit Cards |
| Centralized Monitoring | Real-time data to the Punjab government & PITB control centers |
| Solar-Powered Booths | Sustainable energy support to reduce operational costs |
| ANPR Cameras & Security Scanners | Automatic Number Plate Recognition for surveillance & crime tracking |
Why This Shift is Necessary – Problems With the Old Toll System
For years, motorists across Punjab have struggled with long queues, slow processing, and manual cash-based toll collection, which often led to errors, disputes, and unnecessary delays. The outdated system not only caused inconvenience to travelers but also resulted in significant financial leakages. Due to untracked cash handling and lack of digital monitoring, a considerable portion of toll revenue never reached government records. In fact, official estimates indicate that nearly 15–20% of toll income was lost annually due to mismanagement and corruption.
The new system will solve these challenges by providing:
✅ Transparency in revenue
✅ Faster movement of vehicles
✅ Reduced fuel wastage and carbon emissions
✅ Better law enforcement through vehicle tracking
Economic & Social Benefits
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Time Saving | Smooth traffic flow and zero waiting time |
| Fuel Efficiency | No unnecessary stoppage, reducing fuel burn |
| Revenue Growth | Digital payments will ensure accurate tax collection |
| Environmental Protection | Less emission due to non-stop tolling |
| Boost to Logistics & Trade | Faster cargo movement across Punjab |
Future Expansion Plan
Maryam Nawaz has also directed:
- Installation of solar street lights on new roads
- Beautification and green belts across Lahore and major highways
- Upgradation of 5 major intercity roads under Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
- Digital toll plazas to be connected with motorway databases
This move indicates Punjab’s preparation for Smart Transport Infrastructure 2030.
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How Will Vehicle Owners Use Digital Toll Plazas?
- Download the Official Toll App (to be launched soon)
- Register CNIC and Vehicle Number
- Recharge via JazzCash / Bank Transfer / Debit Card
- Install RFID Tag or QR Sticker on Windshield
- Drive Through Smart Gate – Toll Deducted Automatically
No physical contact, no cash handling, no stopping!
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FAQs Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Approves Digital Toll Plazas Across Province 2025:
1. When will the digital toll system start in Punjab?
The implementation will begin in early 2025, starting from 38 major toll plazas, followed by expansion to all highways.
2. Will the system be similar to Motorway’s M-Tag?
Yes, it will work on a similar pattern using RFID technology, but with more payment flexibility and a unified app.
3. Can I still pay cash if I don’t have an RFID tag?
During the transition period, both cash and digital options will be available, but eventually manual cash booths will be phased out.
4. Will motorcycles and rickshaws also be included?
Only vehicles traveling on highways such as cars, jeeps, pickups, buses, and trucks will be included. Small local vehicles may remain exempt, depending on the policy.
5. Will this system help in crime tracking?
Yes, ANPR cameras and real-time monitoring will help identify stolen vehicles, smuggling routes, and suspicious movement.
6. Which payment methods will be accepted?
Users will be able to pay through JazzCash, Easypaisa, Bank Transfer, Debit/Credit Cards, or Auto-Top-Up Services.
7. Will this reduce traffic queues during Eid holidays?
Absolutely. Automated gates will allow continuous traffic flow, even during peak seasons.
8. Is it mandatory for every driver to register?
Eventually, yes, once physical tickets are phased out.
Final Thoughts – A Bold Step Toward a Smart Punjab:
The Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Approves Digital Toll Plazas Across Province 2025, launched under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz, is not merely a technological shift—it represents a strategic overhaul of Punjab’s transportation, economic, and administrative ecosystem. By integrating automation, transparency, and ease of access into toll operations, the government is not only eliminating corruption and revenue leakage but also saving millions of travel hours previously wasted in congestion and manual processing.
If executed effectively, Punjab has the potential to become the first province in Pakistan with a completely digital highway network, setting a national benchmark for Sindh, KPK, and Balochistan to follow in their modernization efforts.
