- Indian roads may eliminate toll plazas by the end of 2026 using the MLFF tolling system
- MLFF uses cameras and sensors to charge tolls without vehicles stopping or slowing down
- Toll plazas cause congestion and inefficiency, prompting a shift to barrier-less tolling
Indian road infrastructure is witnessing a multi-fold growth with the construction of new expressways and facilities they offer. However, a big challenge has always been - reducing the time spent on toll plazas. While FASTags and strategic placement of toll plazas have helped to a certain extent, there's a long way to go. Recently, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways - Nitin Gadkari, announced at the Times Drive Auto Summit and Awards 2026 that the Indian roads could soon get rid of toll plazas, likely by the end of 2026.
“Drive at 80 kmph without stopping. We will capture your number plate and FASTag details, and the toll amount will be automatically deducted from your bank account based on kilometres travelled,” Nitin Gadkari said at Times Drive Auto Summit and Awards 2026.
New MLFF Tolling System To Replace Toll Plazas
At the heart of this transformation is the MLFF (Multi-Lane Free Flow) tolling system, which eliminates the need for vehicles to stop or slow down at toll booths. Under MLFF, toll collection happens through overhead gantries equipped with cameras, sensors, and FASTag readers, allowing vehicles to pass through at normal highway speeds.
The system automatically detects vehicles, identifies their FASTag or registration details, and deducts toll charges digitally. By removing physical barriers, MLFF aims to reduce congestion, cut fuel wastage, lower emissions and improve average travel speeds on national highways.
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Why Toll Plazas Are Being Phased Out?
According to the government, toll plazas are increasingly becoming inefficient for high-speed expressways. As traffic volumes rise, even FASTag-enabled toll booths struggle to prevent queues during peak hours. This leads to time loss, higher fuel consumption and frequent disputes at toll points.
By moving to a fully automated, barrier-less system, the government wants tolling to become invisible to drivers, much like metro gates or electronic parking systems - fast, seamless and friction-free.
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FASTag Still Key, But New Infrastructure
Even with toll plazas removed, FASTag will remain central to highway toll collection. Vehicles without sufficient balance or with unreadable FASTags may receive e-notices, requiring toll payment within a fixed time window to avoid penalties.
The government has already clarified that missed MLFF payments could attract double charges if not cleared within 72 hours, highlighting the need for motorists to keep FASTags active, linked correctly, and adequately funded.
What This Means for Everyday Highway Users
For motorists, the proposed change could mean:
- Faster highway travel with fewer slowdowns
- No queues or stop-and-go movement at toll plazas
- Lower fuel consumption and smoother drives
- Reduced disputes and human intervention
For commercial operators, it could translate into better trip predictability, lower operating costs and improved logistics efficiency.
Source - Times Now