UPSC Mains 2024 GS3 Q6 — Infrastructure technology
What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its adcantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition (Answer in 150 words) 10
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- WhatWhat areWhat areWould this transition
- Scope keywords
- electronic toll collectionhighwaystechnology being employedadvantages and limitationsproposed changesseamless
- Implicit sub-parts
- Technical working of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology in FASTag.
- Critical evaluation of current FASTag bottlenecks such as sensor delays, blacklisting errors, and low balance queues.
- Exploration of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) as the upcoming transitions.
- Analysis of implementation hurdles for the new transition including privacy concerns and high-speed data integration.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much space on the history of manual tolling instead of the current RFID technology.
- Confusing GPS-based tolling with FASTag; they are distinct technological generations.
- Failing to mention the 'free-flow' concept when discussing 'seamless' movement.
- Neglecting the data privacy and enforcement challenges of satellite-based tolling.
- Dimensions required
- Technological InfrastructureOperational EfficiencyPolicy and Regulatory FrameworkPrivacy and SecurityUser Experience/Socio-economic impact
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30 words to define RFID technology and current usage. Use 50 words to contrast current advantages with specific technical limitations. Devote 50 words to explaining GNSS/satellite-based tolling as the proposed change. Reserve the final 20 words to conclude on whether this transition truly achieves a 'barrier-less' experience.
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