India Launches First MLFF Barrierless Toll System

India's National Highways Authority (NHAI) launched the country's first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrierless tolling system at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat-Bharuch section of National Highway 48 in Gujarat on May 1. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced the rollout, which allows vehicles to pass through without stopping at physical barriers. More than 41,500 vehicles used the stretch on the first day, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The system relies on advanced technologies including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, high-performance Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, and FASTag-based electronic toll collection. These capture vehicle registration numbers and FASTag details at highway speeds, automating toll deductions with minimal human intervention. Four large gantries equipped with 16 high-quality cameras have been installed near the existing plaza to support the six-lane highway.

Officials expect the MLFF to reduce congestion at toll plazas, shorten travel times, improve fuel efficiency, and lower vehicular emissions by eliminating idling. The ministry stated it represents a...