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India's First Barrier-Free Toll Plaza Opens on NH48, Ushering in Automated Tolling Era

India's first barrier-free toll plaza has become operational on the Mumbai-Delhi National Highway near Surat, allowing vehicles to pass without stopping. The system uses Multi-Lane Free Flow technology, deducting tolls automatically via ANPR and FASTag integration. NHAI officials say the barrier-less system reduces congestion and waiting times, with vehicles able to pass at speeds up to 80 kmph. The government plans to convert over 1,050 toll plazas nationwide to barrier-free systems by the end of 2026.

Key Points: India's First Barrier-Free Toll Plaza Starts on NH48

  • Barrier-free toll plaza on NH48 near Surat uses MLFF technology and ANPR
  • Vehicles pass at 80 kmph without stopping
  • Toll deducted automatically via FASTag or number plate recognition
  • Government aims to convert 1,050+ plazas to barrier-free by 2026
  • Expected to save Rs 1,500 crore in fuel costs annually
2 min read

India's first barrier-free toll plaza begins operations on NH48 in Gujarat

India's first barrier-free toll plaza on NH48 near Surat uses MLFF tech for automatic deductions, aiming to eliminate queues and save fuel costs.

"This barrier-less tolling is also called multi-lane free-flow tolling. In this, there is no need to stop the vehicle. - A.R. Chitransi"

Surat, May 1

India's first barrier-free toll plaza has become operational on the Mumbai-Delhi National Highway near Surat, allowing vehicles to pass without stopping and marking a shift towards fully automated toll collection across the country.

The Choryasi toll plaza, situated on the Kamrej-Choryasi stretch between Surat and Bharuch, was opened after nearly two months of testing that began on February 2.

The facility eliminates the need for physical barriers, enabling uninterrupted vehicle movement through the toll point.

The system is based on Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology and has been implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) as part of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' plan to modernise tolling infrastructure.

The government aims to convert more than 1,050 toll plazas nationwide to AI-based barrier-free systems by the end of 2026.

Under the new arrangement, toll charges are deducted automatically using a combination of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology and FASTag integration.

High-resolution cameras mounted on overhead gantries scan vehicle number plates, while RFID sensors read FASTag details, enabling direct deduction from linked bank accounts without any manual intervention.

Chief Operating Officer of NHAI, A.R. Chitransi, said the system removes the need for vehicles to halt at toll points.

"This barrier-less tolling is also called multi-lane free-flow tolling. In this, there is no need to stop the vehicle. There is no barrier in this. The vehicle will pass under the gantry and its toll will be deducted," he said.

Officials said the process is fully contactless and designed to reduce congestion and waiting times.

Vehicles can pass through the toll plaza at speeds of up to 80 kmph, addressing long-standing issues of queues and traffic build-up, particularly on busy highway corridors.

If a vehicle does not have an active FASTag, the system identifies it through the number plate and sends an electronic notice to the registered owner for payment.

Union Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has stated that India is expected to become completely barrier-free in toll collection by the end of 2026, with the Surat installation serving as a pilot for wider implementation.

Authorities estimate that the adoption of barrier-free tolling could help save around Rs 1,500 crore in fuel costs annually, while also generating an additional Rs 6,000 crore in revenue through improved efficiency and compliance.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
This is impressive! I've seen similar systems in the US, but it's great to see India leapfrogging with AI-based tolling. The Rs 1,500 crore fuel savings estimate is huge – not to mention the environmental benefits from reduced idling. Kudos to NHAI for thinking ahead. Just hope the ANPR system works accurately even in foggy weather or heavy rain.
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Manish T
Good initiative, but what about privacy concerns? High-res cameras scanning number plates and linking to bank accounts – that's a lot of data. And the Rs 6,000 crore extra revenue claim sounds optimistic. Will the savings really be passed on to toll payers, or is it just another way to increase government revenue? Need more transparency.
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Ananya R
As a woman who often drives late at night, anything that reduces time spent at isolated toll plazas is a huge relief! 😊 No more rolling down windows in sketchy areas or dealing with aggressive touts. This technology adds a layer of safety. Just hope they maintain the gantries well – last thing we need is a malfunction in the middle of nowhere.
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Daniel Q
I've used barrier-free tolling in Australia, and it's brilliant. India's version with FASTag integration makes sense given the high adoption rate. The 80 kmph speed limit for crossing is sensible – enough to keep traffic flowing without being reckless. But will this work on congested multi-lane roads near cities? The real test is during peak hours.
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Siddhartha F

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