How might changing the bidding criteria for barrier-less tolling impact transparency and efficiency in road infrastructure projects?

Barrier-less tolling, also known as open road tolling or FASTag-based tolling, allows vehicles to pay tolls without stopping, improving traffic flow and efficiency. The bidding criteria for selecting companies to implement these systems are crucial in ensuring the projects are transparent and efficient.

• Enhanced Transparency:
  • Clear and well-defined bidding criteria can reduce favoritism and corruption by ensuring all bidders are evaluated on the same parameters.
  • Open and competitive bidding attracts more qualified companies, making the process fairer and more transparent.
  • Public disclosure of selection processes and criteria increases trust among stakeholders and the general public.
• Improved Efficiency:
  • Focusing on technical qualifications and experience in digital tolling ensures that only capable firms are chosen, leading to smoother project execution.
  • Efficient and transparent processes reduce project delays and cost overruns, as the best-suited companies are selected.
  • Encouraging innovation by considering technical proposals and not just financial bids can lead to better technology adoption and improved tolling systems.
• Level Playing Field:
  • Revised criteria can prevent monopolies or dominance by a few large players, allowing smaller and innovative firms to participate.
  • Standardized evaluation metrics make it easier to compare bids objectively, reducing the scope for arbitrary decisions.
• Better Service Delivery:
  • Transparent selection processes ensure that companies with proven track records are chosen, leading to more reliable and user-friendly tolling systems.
  • Efficient tolling reduces congestion and travel time, benefiting road users and supporting economic activities.