- India's first barrier-free toll plaza is operational on NH-48 near Surat
- The plaza uses Multi-Lane Free Flow technology for automated toll collection
- Vehicles pass without stopping, reducing congestion and saving travel time
India's first barrier-free toll plaza has officially become operational on the Mumbai-Delhi National Highway (NH-48) near Surat, marking a major step towards fully automated toll collection in the country. Located on the Kamrej-Choryasi stretch between Surat and Bharuch, the Choryasi toll plaza was opened after nearly two months of trial runs that began on February 2.
The newly introduced system allows vehicles to pass through the toll point without stopping, helping ensure smoother traffic flow and reduced congestion on one of the country's busiest highway corridors. The project is based on Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling technology and has been introduced by the National Highways Authority of India as part of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' larger infrastructure modernisation plan.
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Barrier-Free Tolling Gains Positive Response
With the FASTag-based barrier-free tolling system now operational, several highway users have started sharing positive feedback about the experience. In videos released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, motorists can be seen appreciating the seamless travel experience and the time-saving benefits offered by the Multi-Lane Free Flow system.
One commuter who frequently travels through the route said the new setup has significantly improved daily travel.
"Today it feels really good ever since this automated toll tax system based on FASTag has started here. Because of this, we are getting a lot of convenience. I travel on this route twice regularly, and earlier it used to take at least five minutes just to cross the toll. Now not only am I saving time, but I'm also saving fuel," a motorist said.
How The FASTag-Based MLFF System Works
The barrier-free toll plaza uses high-resolution cameras mounted on overhead gantries to scan vehicle registration numbers. Along with this, RFID sensors read FASTag details and automatically deduct the toll amount directly from the linked bank account without requiring any manual intervention.
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Chief Operating Officer of NHAI, A.R. Chitransi, explained how the technology functions and highlighted that vehicles no longer need to stop at toll booths. "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.
Vehicles Can Travel At Up To 80 Kmph
Officials stated that the entire process is contactless and aimed at reducing long queues and traffic congestion usually seen at toll plazas. Vehicles can cross the toll point at speeds of up to 80 kmph, ensuring uninterrupted movement even during peak traffic hours.
In cases where a vehicle does not have an active FASTag, the system identifies the vehicle using its number plate and sends an electronic notice to the registered owner for toll payment.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has earlier stated that India is expected to move towards completely barrier-free toll collection by the end of 2026, with the Surat toll plaza serving as a pilot project for future nationwide implementation.