Barrier-Free Toll Plaza in Gujarat: India’s First Multi-Lane Free Flow System

In a transformative step toward modernizing India’s highway infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the rollout of the country’s inaugural barrier-free toll collection setup at a key location in Gujarat. This initiative, driven by advanced technology, promises to eliminate traditional toll booths, reduce congestion, and enhance travel efficiency for millions of motorists. Set to debut soon, the project underscores NHAI’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions for seamless road transport, aligning with broader national goals for sustainable mobility.

NHAI’s Pioneering MLFF Initiative Takes Shape

The Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), an NHAI affiliate, has formalized a partnership with ICICI Bank to deploy the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system at the Choryasi toll plaza on National Highway 48 in Gujarat. This marks the first such implementation in India, transforming the site into a fully barrier-free zone where vehicles can pass without stopping. A parallel agreement covers the Gharaunda plaza on NH-44 in Haryana, with NHAI eyeing expansions to about 25 locations nationwide by the end of the current fiscal year.

The MLFF framework relies on high-tech RFID readers and AI-powered automatic number plate recognition cameras to scan FASTags and vehicle details in real-time. Tolls are deducted automatically from linked accounts as vehicles maintain highway speeds, bypassing the need for physical barriers. Officials estimate this could slash average wait times from minutes to seconds, while also curbing fuel wastage and emissions.

NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav, during the signing event in New Delhi, described the move as a cornerstone for efficient highway operations. The selection process for additional sites is ongoing, prioritizing high-traffic corridors to maximize impact.

Key Points: How the System Works and Its Scope

• Technology Core: Combines RFID for FASTag detection with ANPR for license plate scanning, enabling contactless payments without halting traffic.
• Pilot Locations: Choryasi in Gujarat as the flagship; Gharaunda in Haryana to follow, with 25 more planned by March 2026.
• Expected Benefits: Reduces congestion, cuts travel time by up to 30%, improves fuel efficiency, and lowers carbon emissions through smoother flows.
• Implementation Timeline: Initial rollout in Gujarat expected within months, with nationwide scaling dependent on feasibility studies.
• Broader Rollout: Focus on integrating with existing FASTag ecosystem, which already covers 80% of toll transactions.

This builds on NHAI’s digital push, including the National Electronic Toll Collection program, which has boosted revenue while minimizing manual interventions.

Expert Opinions: A Leap Forward for Road Efficiency

Transportation specialists have welcomed the development as a game-changer. In a Swarajya analysis, infrastructure expert Arjun Brij noted, “Barrier-free tolling could transform India’s highways, much like it has in Europe, where similar systems have cut delays by 40%.” He emphasized the potential for scalability, given India’s 1.4 lakh km of national highways.

On YouTube, channels dedicated to urban mobility, with videos exceeding 200,000 views, praise the initiative’s environmental angle. One expert commented, “By eliminating idling at booths, MLFF could save billions in fuel costs annually and reduce urban pollution— a win for commuters and the planet.” They referenced successful models in Singapore and the Netherlands, where free-flow systems have boosted traffic speeds by 20-25%.

Policy analysts from think tanks like the Observer Research Foundation highlight economic gains. “This could add 1-2% to GDP by streamlining logistics, especially for freight-heavy routes,” said a senior fellow in a report, urging rapid adoption to compete with China’s advanced toll networks.

Critics, however, raise implementation concerns. In a Hindustan Times op-ed, a logistics consultant warned, “Technical glitches in RFID or ANPR could lead to disputes; robust grievance mechanisms are essential.” Privacy advocates on forums like LinkedIn express worries over data security with vehicle tracking.

Analyzing the Barrier-Free Toll Shift: Prospects and Pitfalls

This Gujarat launch positions India among nations embracing smart tolling, potentially revolutionizing a sector plagued by bottlenecks. With 1,000 toll plazas collecting Rs 50,000 crore annually, MLFF could enhance revenue through better compliance, as seen in Australia’s e-toll systems where evasion dropped 15%.

Economically, it supports the National Logistics Policy’s aim to cut costs from 14% to 8% of GDP by 2030, fostering trade and reducing truck idle times—estimated at 20-30% of journey durations. Environmentally, lower emissions align with India’s net-zero ambitions, potentially saving millions in fuel imports.

Challenges include high setup costs (Rs 100-200 crore per plaza) and tech adoption in rural areas. A World Bank study on Asian infrastructure notes that digital divides could exacerbate inequalities if not addressed. Integration with FASTag, covering 98% of transactions, is a plus, but scaling to 25 sites demands seamless execution.

Socially, it promises hassle-free travel for 30 million daily highway users, but experts urge public awareness campaigns to prevent confusion during the transition.

As Gujarat leads the way, this barrier-free model could redefine Indian roadways, blending innovation with efficiency. If successful, it might inspire similar upgrades nationwide, accelerating India’s journey toward world-class infrastructure.