India’s First Multi Lane Free Flow Tolling System in Gujarat

For years, toll plazas have been unavoidable bottlenecks on Indian highways. Long queues, fuel wastage, and delays were treated as part of road travel. That assumption is now being tested. The launch of India’s first Multi Lane Free Flow tolling system at Choryasi Fee Plaza in Gujarat marks a structural shift in how tolling works.

This is not a cosmetic upgrade. It is a fundamental change in toll collection where vehicles no longer stop, slow excessively, or wait behind physical barriers. Instead, tolls are deducted digitally while vehicles move freely.

Where India’s First Barrier Free Toll Plaza Is Located

The pilot Multi Lane Free Flow tolling system is operational at the Choryasi Fee Plaza, also known as Kamrej Toll Plaza.

This stretch of NH 48 is one of the busiest corridors in western India, making it a realistic testing ground for barrier free tolling.

Who Implemented the Multi Lane Free Flow Tolling System

The implementation is led by Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), a company promoted by NHAI. A formal agreement was signed with ICICI Bank at NHAI Headquarters in New Delhi.

The agreement was signed in the presence of NHAI Chairman Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav and senior officials from NHAI, IHMCL, and ICICI Bank. A second agreement covers the Gharaunda Fee Plaza in Haryana on NH 44.

This signals that the Multi Lane Free Flow tolling system is not a one-off experiment, but a planned national rollout.

How the Multi Lane Free Flow Tolling System Works

Unlike traditional toll booths, the Multi Lane Free Flow tolling system removes physical barriers completely.

Vehicles pass through at near normal highway speeds while toll charges are deducted from FASTag accounts without manual intervention.

Why MLFF Tolling Is a Big Shift for Indian Highways

The Multi Lane Free Flow tolling system addresses multiple long standing issues in highway operations.

First, congestion reduces dramatically because vehicles are no longer forced into narrow toll lanes. Second, fuel consumption drops due to reduced idling. Third, emissions decline, supporting cleaner transport goals.

From an operational perspective, MLFF improves toll revenue accuracy and minimizes leakages, making the system more transparent and efficient.

What NHAI Chairman Said About Barrier Free Tolling

Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman of NHAI, described the agreement as a milestone in India’s tolling evolution. He highlighted that technology driven tolling is essential for building a transparent, efficient, and user friendly national highway ecosystem.

According to NHAI, the Multi Lane Free Flow tolling system will form the foundation for nationwide adoption in the coming years.

Benefits of the Multi Lane Free Flow Tolling System for Road Users

The impact of MLFF is not theoretical. It directly affects daily commuters and long distance travelers. The Choryasi toll plaza operates under the Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system, allowing vehicles to pass without stopping as tolls are deducted automatically through FASTag and ANPR cameras.

However, this does not remove the need to stop at other toll plazas that still follow the traditional FASTag lane system. MLFF tolling is currently implemented on a plaza specific basis, and only MLFF enabled toll plazas offer a completely barrier free tolling experience.

These benefits become more visible during peak travel hours and festival traffic.

Future Expansion Plans Across National Highways

NHAI plans to roll out the Multi Lane Free Flow tolling system at around 25 national highway fee plazas during the 2025 to 2026 financial year. The identification of suitable toll plazas is already underway.

Apart from Gujarat and Haryana, a similar pilot is planned on the Bengaluru Mysuru highway NH 275, indicating a phased national expansion.

Why Choryasi Toll Plaza Was Chosen for India’s First MLFF Pilot

Choryasi Fee Plaza handles heavy commercial and passenger traffic daily. Implementing the Multi Lane Free Flow tolling system here allows authorities to test performance under real pressure conditions, not controlled environments. This approach reflects a cautious but confident rollout strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions :

What is a Multi Lane Free Flow tolling system
It is a barrier free tolling method where tolls are collected electronically using FASTag, RFID readers, and ANPR cameras without stopping vehicles.

Where is India’s first MLFF toll plaza located
At Choryasi Fee Plaza on NH 48 near Surat in Gujarat.

When did MLFF trials begin in India
Trials began on February 2, 2026.

Do vehicles need FASTag for MLFF tolling
Yes. FASTag is essential for seamless toll deduction under the Multi Lane Free Flow tolling system.

Will MLFF increase toll charges
No. The system changes how tolls are collected, not the toll rates.

How many toll plazas will convert to MLFF
NHAI plans to implement MLFF at over 25 toll plazas during the current financial year.

Which bank partnered with NHAI for MLFF
ICICI Bank partnered with IHMCL and NHAI for the implementation.