New Delhi: Did you know that the problem of long queues and vehicle stoppages at toll plazas is now set to be eliminated? A major step has been taken towards making road travel in the country easier and faster. The NHAI has officially launched the country’s first barrier-free tolling system in Surat, Gujarat. In addition to saving time, this technology will provide a permanent solution to traffic jams on highways. This will bring significant relief to motorists. Currently, drivers often get stuck in congestion at toll plazas, resulting in a considerable waste of time.
key highlights
How Does the MLFF Technology Work?
Vehicle approaches toll plaza at full speed (80–100 km/h) ↓
Overhead gantry with cameras & sensors detects vehicle
↓
Does vehicle have FASTag?
/ \
YES NO
↓ ↓
FASTag scanned ANPR cameras read
automatically number plate
↓ ↓
Toll deducted from Toll deducted from
linked account owner's account
OR
Traffic challan issued⚙️ Key Technologies Used
| Technology | Function |
|---|---|
| 📡 High-tech sensors | Mounted on overhead gantries — scan FASTag instantly |
| 📸 High-speed cameras | Capture vehicle images at 80–100 km/h |
| 🔢 ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) | Reads number plates of non-FASTag vehicles |
| 💳 FASTag integration | Seamless automatic toll deduction |
| 🖥️ Gantry structure | Overhead arch spanning all lanes — no road barriers |
Learn About the Multi-Lane Free Flow System
This modern Multi-Lane Free Flow System has been implemented at the Choryasi Toll Plaza, located on National Highway 48 near Surat, Gujarat. The most distinctive feature of this system is that absolutely no physical barriers are installed on the road.
Travel Will Become Much Easier
Until now, vehicles had to stop at toll plazas due to the FASTag system; however, that will no longer be the case. Such situations will no longer be witnessed at the Choryasi Toll Plaza. Here, vehicles can pass through at speeds ranging from 80 to 100 km/h, and the toll amount will be deducted automatically and seamlessly. Furthermore, this new system will eliminate congestion during peak hours. Along with ending the hassle of repeatedly stopping and restarting vehicles, fuel consumption will also be reduced.
Learn How This Technology Works
Did you know that this barrier-less system features high-tech cameras and sensors mounted on gantries positioned above the road? As soon as a vehicle passes beneath this gantry, the sensors scan the vehicle’s FASTag.
In the event that a vehicle does not have a FASTag, high-speed cameras read its license plate. Through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, the toll amount is deducted from the vehicle owner’s account, or a traffic challan (fine) is issued. This Technology Will Soon Be Implemented on Major Routes
This project, which has already commenced in Surat, Gujarat, is set to prove a major milestone for India’s highway infrastructure. The National Highways Authority of India plans to extend this initiative to routes such as the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in the near future. The objective of this scheme is to save time for motorists while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption.
