Infrastructure – India Advances Barrier-Free Highway Tolling Across Major Routes
Infrastructure – India is taking a major step toward modernising its national highway network with the expansion of barrier-free tolling systems designed to reduce travel delays, fuel consumption, and operational expenses.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday said the country is steadily progressing toward globally competitive highway infrastructure through the introduction of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system. The announcement came during the inauguration of a new barrier-less toll plaza at the Mundka–Bakkarwala section of Urban Extension Road-II in the National Capital Region.
New Tolling System Aims to Eliminate Delays
The MLFF model has been designed to allow vehicles to cross tolling points without stopping, creating a smoother and faster travel experience for commuters. Unlike conventional toll plazas that often lead to long queues and traffic congestion, the new contactless system enables uninterrupted movement through advanced digital monitoring technology.
According to the minister, the upgraded mechanism is expected to significantly reduce waiting times on highways. This would not only improve convenience for motorists but also lower unnecessary fuel consumption caused by idling vehicles at toll booths.
Officials believe the move could help improve traffic flow on some of the busiest road corridors in the country, especially in urban regions where congestion levels remain high throughout the day.
Operational Costs Expected to Fall Sharply
During his address, Gadkari highlighted the financial advantages linked to the MLFF rollout. He stated that traditional toll collection systems previously required operational spending of nearly 15 percent. Under the newly introduced setup, those costs are expected to decline to around 3 to 4 percent.
The reduction could potentially generate annual savings estimated between Rs 5,000 crore and Rs 6,000 crore. The minister added that technology-led reforms in highway toll collection have already contributed to stronger revenue generation over the years.
Transport experts say the shift toward automated tolling could also enhance transparency and reduce manual intervention in collection systems.
Fuel Savings and Pollution Reduction in Focus
The government has also linked the MLFF initiative with its broader environmental goals. Gadkari said the system is projected to save nearly 250 crore litres of fuel every year by cutting down vehicle stoppage time at toll points.
In addition, authorities estimate that the initiative could help reduce around 81,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The impact is expected to be particularly important for the Delhi-NCR region, which regularly faces severe air pollution concerns.
The minister noted that adopting modern transport technology remains essential for achieving sustainable infrastructure growth while maintaining commuter convenience.
Use of Waste Materials in Highway Construction
Alongside tolling reforms, Gadkari also underlined the government’s increasing focus on environmentally responsible infrastructure practices. He said municipal waste generated in Delhi is being scientifically processed and reused in major road construction projects, including the Dwarka Expressway and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
The minister further explained that bio-bitumen produced from agricultural residue and waste materials is gradually being incorporated into road construction. The initiative is aimed at reducing dependence on imported materials while also addressing pollution caused by agricultural waste.
Infrastructure experts have described such initiatives as part of a wider push toward sustainable highway development in India.
AI-Based Monitoring to Improve Road Safety
Expressing concern over the large number of road accidents reported across the country every year, Gadkari stressed the importance of safer driving practices and stronger public awareness.
He said advanced Artificial Intelligence-enabled systems integrated into the MLFF framework would support better traffic monitoring and improve overall highway management. The technology is also expected to assist authorities in handling traffic movement more efficiently on high-density corridors.
The minister added that commuters would benefit from shorter travel times, reduced transport expenses, and a more efficient road network once the system is expanded further.
Earlier this month, the National Highways Authority of India introduced an MLFF-based tolling facility at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat–Bharuch stretch of National Highway-48 in Gujarat, marking another step in the nationwide implementation of the technology.