In a significant upgrade to India’s highway infrastructure the National Highways Authority of India has introduced the country’s first Multi–Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system in Gujarat, marking a shift toward fully automated, barrier-free toll collection.
The system has been deployed at the Chorayasi toll point on the Surat–Bharuch stretch of National Highway 48. On its first day of operation nearly 41,500 vehicles passed through the toll location, indicating strong initial adoption.
Unlike conventional toll plazas, the MLFF system allows vehicles to move without stopping, using technologies such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag-based electronic tolling. This eliminates physical barriers and reduces human intervention, resulting in smoother traffic movement.
Officials say the new system is expected to cut congestion, improve travel time, and enhance fuel efficiency, while also reducing vehicular emissions. It represents a major step in modernizing India’s toll collection framework and improving the overall highway travel experience.
However, authorities have cautioned users to maintain sufficient balance in their FASTag accounts. Vehicles with insufficient balance or invalid tags will receive an electronic notice and must pay the toll within 72 hours. Failure to do so could lead to penalties, including double charges and possible restrictions on vehicle-related services.
The MLFF rollout is seen as a key milestone in building a more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven tolling ecosystem across India’s national highways.
