Long queues at toll plazas in India could soon become a thing of the past. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced the country’s first barrier-free tolling system in Surat, Gujarat.
This new system is designed to save time, reduce congestion, and make highway travel smoother than ever before.
What is the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) System?
The new system has been installed at the Choryasi toll plaza on National Highway 48 near Surat. It uses a modern technology called Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), where vehicles do not need to stop at toll booths.
There are no physical barriers. Vehicles can pass through the toll area at normal speeds without slowing down, making the entire process faster and more convenient.
No More Long Queues or Stops
Earlier, even with FASTag, vehicles had to slow down or stop for scanning. That often led to traffic jams, especially during peak hours.
With this new system, vehicles can move at speeds of 80–100 km/h while the toll is automatically deducted. This means:
No waiting in long lines
No repeated stopping and starting
Less fuel consumption
A smoother driving experience
How Does the System Work?
The barrier-free tolling system uses advanced cameras and sensors installed on overhead structures called gantries.
As a vehicle passes underneath:
FASTag is automatically scanned
Toll amount is deducted instantly
If a vehicle does not have FASTag, cameras read the number plate using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. The toll is then charged to the vehicle owner or a challan is issued.
A Big Step for India’s Highways
This project marks a major upgrade in India’s road infrastructure. It shows how technology can make travel faster and more efficient.
NHAI plans to expand this system to other busy routes, including the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The long-term goal is to remove physical toll booths completely and shift to GPS-based and barrier-less toll collection.
What NHAI Officials Say
According to Amit Ranjan Chitranshi, Chief Operating Officer of NHAI, this system allows vehicles to pass without stopping while tolls are deducted automatically.
He also clarified that existing toll rules remain unchanged under the National Highway Fee Rules, 2008. Only the method of toll collection has been upgraded.
The system is already being tested at multiple locations, and with growing confidence, the government plans to introduce it on all highways with four or more lanes in the future.
