In a significant step towards revolutionising toll collection in India, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), through its subsidiary Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), has signed an agreement with ICICI Bank to implement the country’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system. The pilot project will be rolled out at the Choryasi Fee Plaza on NH-48 in Gujarat, making it India’s first barrier-free toll plaza.
The agreement, signed in the presence of NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav, along with senior officials from NHAI, IHMCL, and ICICI Bank at NHAI Headquarters in New Delhi, represents a transformative shift in highway tolling. In addition to Choryasi, a similar arrangement has also been finalized for Gharaunda Fee Plaza on NH-44 in Haryana.
NHAI plans to expand MLFF-based tolling across nearly 25 plazas during the current financial year, with the process of identifying suitable locations already underway.
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Santosh Kumar Yadav said, “This agreement to implement the Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling system marks a significant milestone in the evolution and modernization of tolling in India. By leveraging technology, it will create a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly tolling ecosystem aligned with our vision of technology-driven transformation in National Highway operations.”
The MLFF system uses advanced RFID readers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to detect FASTags and vehicle registration numbers, enabling seamless toll collection without stopping vehicles. The move is expected to cut congestion, reduce travel time, enhance fuel efficiency, and lower emissions, while also improving revenue collection.
This pioneering step positions India’s highways on par with global standards, creating smarter, faster, and greener road infrastructure.
