India’s first barrier-free toll plaza has started operating on the Mumbai-Delhi National Highway near Surat, allowing vehicles to pass without stopping. The Choryasi toll plaza, located between Surat and Bharuch, uses Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology for toll collection. This system, implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), aims to modernize tolling infrastructure.
The barrier-free toll plaza eliminates physical barriers, enabling vehicles to move through without interruptions. Toll charges are automatically deducted through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology and FASTag integration. The government plans to convert over 1,050 toll plazas to AI-based barrier-free systems by 2026.
Chief Operating Officer of NHAI, A.R. Chitransi, highlighted that vehicles no longer need to stop at toll points. The system, known as multi-lane free-flow tolling, allows vehicles to pass under gantries for toll deduction. This contactless process is designed to reduce congestion and waiting times, allowing vehicles to pass through at speeds up to 80 kmph.
Union Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari envisions India becoming completely barrier-free in toll collection by 2026. The Surat toll plaza serves as a pilot for this nationwide transition. The barrier-free tolling system is expected to save fuel costs and increase revenue through enhanced efficiency and compliance measures.
