New Delhi, May 01: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the launch of India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system at Chorayasi Toll Plaza, marking a major step in highway digitalisation.
The system, deployed on the NH-48 corridor between Surat and Bharuch, enables toll collection without requiring vehicles to stop. It leverages technologies such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag for real-time, in-motion payments.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the MLFF system is expected to significantly reduce travel time, ease congestion, improve fuel efficiency, and lower vehicular emissions, while minimising manual intervention in toll operations.
The initiative represents a key milestone in modernising India’s tolling infrastructure and aligns with global best practices in highway management. Gadkari noted that barrier-less tolling will enhance ease of living for commuters and improve logistics efficiency, supporting economic activity.
The rollout builds on the government’s recent move to implement fully digital toll collection nationwide. Since April 10, all user fee payments across National Highway toll plazas are being processed through digital modes such as FASTag and UPI.
With FASTag penetration exceeding 98%, the National Highways Authority of India has directed issuing banks to validate vehicle registration numbers linked to FASTags, ensuring accuracy and seamless operation of the system.
The MLFF rollout underscores the government’s broader push to create a technology-driven, efficient, and commuter-friendly highway network across the country.
