NHAI Launches Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling

India’s highways are on the verge of a major technological transformation. Soon, highly sensitive optical cameras will line expressways across the country, automatically identifying vehicles for toll collection as part of a multi-lane free flow (MLFF) tolling system.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), through its subsidiary Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), has initiated the implementation of a barrier-free tolling system aimed at eliminating queues and reducing congestion at toll plazas. The system will enable vehicles to pass through tolling points without stopping, facilitating seamless electronic payments via FASTag and Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) recognition, and will be executed through a partnership model involving banks, financial institutions, and system integrators.

The MLFF framework combines several advanced technologies. Each tolling point will be equipped with:

• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at the front and rear to capture license plates.
• High-performance RFID readers that detect and authenticate FASTag information.
• Artificial intelligence-enabled software for precise optical character recognition and data validation.
• LiDAR-based sensors for accurate vehicle classification.

When a vehicle passes through the gantry, its FASTag and registration details are automatically read, verified, and transmitted for toll deduction. The process takes place in real time, ensuring a smooth and contactless experience for highway users.

This integrated system enables high-speed, barrier-free passage, with real-time toll deductions routed through the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) network.

Initially, MLFF will be deployed at around 25 National Highway fee plazas in the current financial year. Each site will have a bank or financial entity partnered with a system integrator to manage and operate the tolling system.

Several major financial institutions are already stepping into the MLFF ecosystem. Seven to eight projects have already been bid out by banks such as ICICI Bank, Airtel Payments Bank, Jio Payments Platform, and IDFC First Bank etc.

IHMCL has signed an agreement with ICICI Bank to implement the first pilot MLFF in Gujarat, with the Choryasi Fee Plaza on NH-48 designated as the inaugural test location. Another site identified for early rollout is the Gharaunda Fee Plaza on NH-44 in Haryana. Together, these sites will establish performance benchmarks for vehicle detection accuracy, transaction reliability, and system uptime.

By reducing congestion, improving fuel efficiency, and cutting emissions, the MLFF system represents a major stride toward technology-driven, sustainable mobility. As India moves closer to nationwide barrierless tolling, the initiative is expected to redefine the country’s digital highway infrastructure and reinforce NHAI’s commitment to intelligent, user-centric transport systems.