Barrier-less tolling system goes live on Surat–Bharuch stretch of NH-48: Gadkari flags faster, stop-free highway travel

India has taken a significant step in highway modernisation with the launch of its first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat–Bharuch section of NH-48 in Gujarat. The system allows vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping, enabling fully digital, uninterrupted toll collection.

Taking to X, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said,“Delighted to announce that the country’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system has been launched today at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat–Bharuch section of NH-48 in Gujarat.” The system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology integrated with FASTag to enable seamless toll deduction without physical intervention.

Very recently, NHAI has directed FASTag issuer banks to immediately validate Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRNs) linked to FASTag with the ultimate objective to improve data accuracy across India’s electronic tolling ecosystem.

Move towards fully digital highway tolling

The MLFF system marks a structural upgrade in tolling operations, shifting from conventional toll plazas to a barrier-less, sensor-driven framework. By eliminating stoppages at toll booths, the system is expected to ease congestion on high-traffic corridors such as NH-48, while improving traffic flow efficiency.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the initiative represents a major milestone in the digitisation of toll collection and the modernisation of national highway infrastructure in line with global standards. It also reduces dependence on manual processes, improving transparency and operational efficiency in toll management.

Faster movement, lower emissions, improved logistics

The barrier-less tolling model is expected to deliver measurable gains in travel time, fuel efficiency, and emission reduction. Continuous vehicle movement through toll points will reduce idling time, thereby lowering fuel consumption and vehicular pollution.

Gadkari noted that the system will strengthen both “Ease of Living” for citizens and “Ease of Doing Business” by enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods and logistics across the country. He added that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government remains committed to building “world-class, technology-driven National Highway infrastructure that is efficient, transparent, and commuter-friendly.”

With the Surat–Bharuch stretch becoming the first deployment site, MLFF is expected to serve as a model for phased rollout across other major highway corridors in the coming years.