The Union Government has announced plans. They will complete the nationwide rollout of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system by the end of 2026. They will also implement AI-based highway management. The move is aimed at eliminating congestion at toll plazas, cutting travel time, and modernising India’s national highway network.
🚦 Zero Waiting Time at Toll Plazas
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha about the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system. This system will let vehicles pass toll points. They can drive through without stopping. This will reduce waiting time to zero minutes.
- Vehicles will cross toll locations at speeds of up to 80 km/h
- No physical barriers or toll booths
- Continuous, uninterrupted traffic flow
The initiative marks a shift from plaza-based tolling to gantry-based digital toll collection, improving commuter convenience and highway efficiency.
🤖 Technology Behind the MLFF System
The Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system framework relies on a fully automated, technology-driven ecosystem, integrating multiple digital tools:
- AI-based Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
- FASTag integration for seamless toll deduction
- Satellite tracking and backend validation systems
- Centralised monitoring through AI-enabled highway management platforms
Together, these technologies ensure accurate vehicle identification, real-time toll deduction, and minimal scope for manual errors or disputes.
⏱️ Benefits for Traffic Flow, Fuel Savings and Revenue
According to the Ministry, MLFF is expected to deliver multiple economic and environmental gains:
- Reduced travel time and smoother traffic movement
- Lower fuel consumption due to elimination of stop-and-go traffic
- Improved toll revenue transparency and reduced leakage
- Enhanced data analytics for traffic and infrastructure planning
The Minister noted that FASTag had already reduced toll payment time from 3–10 minutes to under one minute. MLFF will push efficiency even further by removing stoppages altogether.
📌 Exam-Oriented Facts
- MLFF tolling to be rolled out nationwide by end-2026
- Enables non-stop tolling at speeds up to 80 km/h
- Uses AI-based ANPR, FASTag, and satellite systems
- Part of broader AI-driven highway management
- Aims to reduce congestion, fuel use, and revenue leakage
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