Launches contract for introducing India's first automated, fee-exempt highway tolling system managed by the National Highways Authority of India

In a significant stride towards modernizing tolling infrastructure in India, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed an agreement to implement the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system. This system, aimed at enhancing efficiency and user-friendliness, is set to be rolled out at approximately 25 national highway fee plazas during the fiscal year 2025-2026 (FY26).

The agreement, which includes NHAI, the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), and ICICI Bank, is a step towards enabling seamless electronic toll collection through FASTag. The MLFF system utilizes high-performance RFID readers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras for barrier-free toll collection. This innovative approach allows highway toll payments without stopping vehicles at toll plazas, thereby reducing traffic congestion, travel time, fuel consumption, and emissions while improving toll revenue and creating a smarter, faster, and more efficient highway network.

NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav hailed the agreement as a significant milestone in the evolution and modernization of tolling in India. He stated that the adoption of the MLFF system is a key part of the vision for a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly tolling ecosystem in the country.

The first fee plaza to adopt the MLFF system will be Choryasi Fee Plaza in Gujarat, marking it as India's first barrier-free toll plaza. The process of identifying additional fee plazas for implementation is currently underway. In a notable development, an agreement for the implementation of MLFF at Gharaunda Fee Plaza in Haryana has already been signed with ICICI Bank.

The MLFF system enables transactions through the reading of FASTag and Vehicle Registration Number (VRN). By implementing this system, NHAI aims to establish a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly tolling ecosystem. The ultimate goal is for the adoption of this system to be nationwide, aligning with the goal of technology-driven transformation in National Highway operations.

The MLFF system contributes to enhanced fuel efficiency and lower emissions due to reduced stopping times. By eliminating the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas, this system is expected to significantly improve the overall efficiency of India's national highway network.

This move towards technology-driven transformation in tolling is expected to improve toll revenue collection and create a smarter, faster, and more efficient national highway network. As India continues to invest in modern infrastructure, the adoption of the MLFF system is a testament to the country's commitment to innovation and efficiency.

Launches contract for introducing India's first automated, fee-exempt highway tolling system managed by the National Highways Authority of India