TrafficUpdate – Delhi Plans AI-Based Seamless Toll Collection at Borders
TrafficUpdate – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is preparing to introduce a modern toll collection system powered by automatic number plate recognition technology at major border entry points across the national capital. The proposal is expected to be placed before the Standing Committee during a meeting scheduled later this year.
New System Aims to Reduce Congestion
According to officials familiar with the development, the proposed mechanism will function in a manner similar to the FASTag-based toll collection system currently operational on national highways. The initiative is designed to allow vehicles to move through toll plazas without stopping, helping ease traffic congestion and reduce waiting times at busy border checkpoints.
The technology will rely on automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras along with RFID-enabled vehicle identification systems. Cameras installed at toll points will detect and verify vehicle registration numbers, while RFID tags fitted in vehicles will facilitate automatic deduction of toll charges. Officials said the system is being developed in accordance with directions issued by the Supreme Court.
Multi-Lane Free-Flow Tolling Under Consideration
Civic authorities are working on a multi-lane free-flow tolling setup to improve traffic movement across Delhi’s border areas. Under this arrangement, vehicles would no longer need to halt at toll booths for manual verification or payment collection. Instead, the process would take place digitally as vehicles pass through designated lanes.
Officials believe the change could significantly improve traffic conditions during peak travel hours, when long queues often build up at entry points connecting Delhi with neighbouring states. Faster movement of vehicles is also expected to help lower fuel wastage caused by idling at toll plazas.
Proposal Linked to Toll Operations Restructuring
The development comes at a time when the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is reviewing its toll tax management framework. Officials said the civic body had earlier directed its toll tax department to revise a proposal concerning the appointment of a new agency responsible for operating 156 toll plazas across the city.
The revised proposal is also aimed at ensuring minimum annual revenue generation of around ₹900 crore from toll tax operations. Authorities are currently finalising operational details before the matter is formally discussed by the Standing Committee.
Existing Contractor Gets Temporary Extension
Until a new operator is selected for the toll network, the civic body has decided to extend the contract of the current concessionaire for another six months. Officials said this temporary arrangement has been approved to ensure uninterrupted toll collection and smooth functioning of border entry systems while the tendering and approval process continues.
The proposed ANPR-based system is expected to become a major step in Delhi’s broader efforts to modernise urban transport infrastructure and adopt digital traffic management technologies. If approved, the initiative could transform the way toll tax is collected at the city’s entry points and improve daily commuting experiences for thousands of motorists entering the capital.