India’s inaugural multi-lane free flow (MLFF) tolling system, situated at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat–Bharuch stretch of NH-48 in Gujarat, welcomed approximately 41,500 vehicles on its first day of operation. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced this system, allowing vehicles to pass through toll points seamlessly without halting, utilizing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag-based electronic toll collection.
This innovative barrier-less setup aims to facilitate smooth traffic movement with minimal human interference, anticipating reduced congestion, shorter travel times, enhanced fuel efficiency, and decreased vehicular emissions on national highways. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari disclosed the launch of this system, hailing it as a significant stride in India’s tolling digitization and highway infrastructure modernization in alignment with global benchmarks.
Minister Gadkari emphasized that this system will enhance citizens’ quality of life and bolster business operations by expediting the swift and efficient transportation of goods and logistics nationwide. As the Union government has already shifted to entirely digital toll collection at National Highway fee plazas, using FASTag and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) since April 2026, the FASTag adoption has surpassed 98%, revolutionizing toll collection methodologies.
Furthermore, NHAI has urged highway users to maintain sufficient balances in their FASTag accounts to avoid inconvenience. In instances of insufficient funds or an invalid FASTag, an electronic notification will be issued, mandating payment within 72 hours; otherwise, double toll charges may apply. The MLFF system forms part of the government’s broader initiative to establish a more efficient, transparent, and commuter-friendly highway network.
