India
oi-Prakash KL
India is on the cusp of a transformative shift in highway travel, with the government preparing to eliminate physical toll plazas as the government is introducing barrier-free tolling on selected national highways. The core objective is straightforward: to eradicate long queues, remove the need to stop at toll booths, and deliver a seamless, uninterrupted driving experience.
The pilot project is already underway. The Choryasi toll plaza on NH 48, located between Surat and Bharuch in Gujarat, has become the country’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system. The Mundka toll plaza in Delhi will follow as the second such facility.
India is introducing barrier-free tolling using MLFF technology, starting with plazas like Choryasi in Gujarat, to eliminate stops and allow speeds up to 80 kmph. The system uses RFID and ANPR, anticipates an ₹8,000 crore annual revenue boost, and includes penalties for non-payment.
How the Technology Works
Barrier-free tolling relies on MLFF technology, which removes physical barriers entirely. Vehicles pass at normal speed under overhead gantries fitted with high-precision sensors and cameras. The system identifies each vehicle and deducts the toll automatically in real time.
The process integrates two complementary technologies: RFID readers scan your FASTag sticker, while AI-powered cameras perform Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). This dual-verification system minimises errors-even if a FASTag fails, the number plate can still be used to collect the toll from the linked account.
How It Will Benefit for Motorists?
Drivers will be able to maintain speeds of up to 80 kmph through tolling points. The advantages include reduced journey times, elimination of traffic jams at plazas, improved fuel efficiency, and a significantly smoother driving experience.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
The system enforces compliance rigorously. If a vehicle fails to pay, an e-notice is sent to the registered owner. Should the default persist, the FASTag can be suspended, and penalties may be linked to the national VAHAN database. With no cash lanes available, all users must adhere to the digital system.
Specifically, if a vehicle crosses a plaza due to a faulty FASTag, low balance, or absence of a tag, the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) issues an e-notice with a payment link. If the dues are not cleared within 72 hours, the amount is doubled. Persistent defaulters will be denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for registration renewal, ownership transfer, or fitness certification, among other vehicle-related services.
Revenue
Beyond convenience, the initiative aims to boost revenue. The government estimates an additional ₹8,000 crore annually, on top of the current ₹50,000-60,000 crore collection.
Several countries already operate similar systems: Canada’s Highway 407 ETR in Ontario uses fully barrier-free electronic tolling across 108 km, while Australia is advancing barrier-free tech with projects like the tagless Western Harbour Tunnel. Other examples include Belarus (BelToll), Brazil (São Paulo state), France, Italy (A36, A59, A60), Norway, and Singapore’s ERP gantry-based system. India’s adoption of MLFF marks a decisive step toward modern, efficient, and hassle-free highway travel.
