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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari officially inaugurated India’s first-ever Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza in Gujarat. Located on the busy Surat–Bharuch stretch of National Highway 48, this system eliminates physical boom barriers, allowing vehicles to pass through at highway speeds without stopping. The technology utilizes a combination of advanced Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and high-speed FASTag readers to deduct tolls instantly as vehicles pass. This move is a major component of the government’s “Smart Highways” vision, aimed at reducing massive traffic bottlenecks and fuel wastage at traditional toll plazas. During the launch, Minister Gadkari highlighted that the system would significantly lower carbon emissions by preventing idling at toll gates. If the Gujarat pilot proves successful over the next few months, the government plans to scale this barrier-less model to all major national highways across India by 2027. Commuters have already reported a much smoother travel experience, with travel times on the stretch expected to decrease by at least 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours. The implementation of MLFF is also expected to curb manual errors and leakages in toll collection, ensuring more revenue for future infrastructure projects. To support this, the Ministry has introduced new rules for digital wallets and bank-linked accounts to ensure seamless high-speed transactions. This technological upgrade positions India alongside developed nations that utilize open-road tolling to manage high-density traffic.
