Barrier-Free Tolling Debuts in Gujarat
The Choryasi Fee Plaza on National Highway-48 in Gujarat will become the first barrier-free toll plaza in the country. This pilot project represents a significant shift from conventional toll plazas, enabling vehicles to pass through without stopping, thanks to advanced FASTag technology and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems.
Alongside Gujarat, another agreement was signed for the implementation of MLFF at Gharaunda Fee Plaza on NH-44 in Haryana. NHAI has also announced plans to roll out MLFF tolling across approximately 25 plazas nationwide during the current financial year.
Technology-Driven Tolling System
MLFF tolling uses high-performance RFID readers and ANPR cameras to automatically read FASTags and Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRN). This technology ensures seamless toll collection without the need for vehicles to halt, significantly reducing congestion and travel time. By doing so, the system improves fuel efficiency, lowers emissions, and enhances the overall travel experience for highway users.
NHAI Chairman Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating, “The Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling system marks a milestone in the modernisation of tolling in India. It creates a foundation for efficient, transparent, and user-friendly operations while aligning with our vision of technology-driven transformation.”
Improved Revenue and Efficiency
In addition to benefits for commuters, the MLFF system is expected to improve toll revenue collection by minimising leakages and ensuring accurate data capture. The system will also allow faster turnaround times at toll plazas, eliminating long queues and unnecessary delays.
Officials highlighted that this transition is part of India’s broader plan to build a smarter, more efficient highway network. The introduction of MLFF is also aligned with the government’s emphasis on digital infrastructure and the adoption of advanced technologies in public services.
National Rollout Plans
NHAI is currently in the process of identifying around 25 fee plazas for MLFF implementation in the ongoing financial year. The aim is to gradually extend this model nationwide, paving the way for India’s transition to a fully digital and barrier-free tolling ecosystem.
The project is being implemented under the supervision of the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), a subsidiary promoted by NHAI for tolling and traffic management. The collaboration with ICICI Bank ensures the financial and technical support necessary for smooth execution.
Transforming Highway Travel
Experts believe that MLFF tolling could revolutionise highway travel in India. By cutting down on wait times and fuel wastage, it directly benefits commuters and logistics operators while contributing to environmental sustainability. The system also enhances transparency and builds trust among users, marking a significant step in the government’s mission of digital transformation of infrastructure.
As the first of its kind in the country, the Choryasi Fee Plaza project is expected to set benchmarks for future tolling practices, placing India alongside global leaders in smart highway systems.
