India is preparing for a major shift in highway travel with the introduction of a barrier-free toll collection system across national highways by the end of 2026, according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. The new system aims to eliminate long queues and waiting time at toll plazas by allowing vehicles to pass through without stopping or slowing down.
The upcoming model will be based on Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology. Using advanced cameras and sensors installed above highways, vehicles will be identified through number plate recognition and toll charges will be automatically deducted from the linked FASTag account. This process will work even at higher speeds, ensuring uninterrupted traffic movement and smoother travel.
While FASTag has already digitised toll payments, vehicles still need to slow down at toll booths. The MLFF system addresses this limitation and is expected to significantly reduce congestion, fuel wastage and travel delays. The government estimates that fuel savings alone could be worth around ₹1,500 crore annually, while improved toll efficiency could boost revenues by nearly ₹6,000 crore.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader push toward smart mobility and technology-driven infrastructure. Gadkari also pointed out that recent measures such as the FASTag annual pass have already made highway travel more convenient for frequent users.
Once implemented nationwide, the barrier-free toll system is expected to make highway journeys faster, safer and more cost-efficient, marking a major upgrade in India’s road transport infrastructure.
