India’s First Free Flow Toll System Goes Live on NH-48 Near Surat

India’s first multi-lane free flow toll system begins operations on NH-48, enabling barrier-free toll collection and faster vehicle movement without stopping.

Barrier-free tolling begins

In a first for the country, India’s multi-lane free flow toll system has gone live on a key stretch of National Highway-48 near Surat, marking a shift away from conventional toll plazas with physical barriers. The system has been activated at the Choryasi toll point on the busy Kamrej–Choryasi section, connecting Surat and Bharuch.

The rollout follows a trial phase that began on February 2, with officials indicating that the system is now fully operational after weeks of calibration and testing.

Tech-led highway upgrade

The new system is built on Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology and has been deployed by the National Highways Authority of India as part of a broader push to modernise toll collection.

The initiative falls under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ larger plan to digitise highway infrastructure. According to officials, more than 1,000 toll plazas across India are expected to transition to similar AI-enabled, barrier-less systems over the next two years.

How vehicles are charged

Unlike traditional toll booths, there are no gates or stoppages. Vehicles continue moving at normal speeds while toll charges are automatically deducted.

The system relies on a mix of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and FASTag-based RFID technology. High-resolution cameras mounted on overhead gantries capture number plates, while sensors read FASTag data linked to bank accounts.

Once verified, the toll amount is deducted instantly. For vehicles without an active FASTag, the system identifies the number plate and generates an electronic notice to the registered owner.

‘No need to stop’

Officials say the key idea is simple: remove stoppages entirely. According to the NHAI, vehicles can pass through toll points at speeds of up to 80 km/h without slowing down.

“This barrier-less tolling does not require vehicles to stop. There are no barriers, and toll is deducted automatically as vehicles pass under the gantry,” a senior official familiar with the rollout said.

The move is expected to significantly reduce waiting time, particularly on high-traffic corridors like NH-48, where queues at toll plazas have long been a concern.

Impact on traffic flow

Early observations suggest smoother traffic movement along the stretch, especially during peak hours. Local commuters and transport operators have reported shorter travel times, though authorities say a detailed assessment will follow after a few weeks of full-scale operation.

Reduced idling at toll plazas is also expected to cut fuel consumption. Government estimates suggest that nationwide adoption of such systems could lead to savings of around ₹1,500 crore annually.

Tracking violations digitally

While barriers are gone, enforcement remains strict. Vehicles with insufficient FASTag balance or no FASTag are flagged automatically.

The Indian Highways Management Company Limited issues e-notices to defaulters, giving them a 72-hour window to clear dues. Failure to comply can lead to penalties, including restrictions on vehicle-related services such as registration renewal or ownership transfer.

Officials say the digital tracking mechanism is designed to ensure compliance without disrupting traffic flow.

Nationwide rollout planned

The Surat installation is being seen as a pilot for a wider national rollout. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has earlier indicated that India aims to transition to a fully barrier-free tolling system by the end of 2026.

Authorities believe that apart from easing congestion, the system could improve revenue collection by minimising leakages and increasing compliance. Estimates suggest an additional ₹6,000 crore could be generated annually once the system is scaled up.

For now, all eyes are on the NH-48 stretch near Surat as the country’s first real-world test of barrier-less tolling begins to unfold.