Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated Delhi’s first barrier-free toll plaza on the Urban Extension Road-II corridor. Located at Mundka-Bakkarwala, the new setup becomes the second frictionless toll system in the country after Gujarat and marks a major change in the way toll collection is done on Indian highways.
Barrier-less toll plazas: how they work
The new tolling setup uses Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology, which allows vehicles to cross toll points without stopping. Unlike traditional toll plazas that use boom barriers and dedicated lanes, the MLFF system works through overhead gantries equipped with cameras and sensors that automatically detect vehicles and digitally collect toll fees while the vehicles are moving.The system identifies vehicles in real time using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and other tracking technologies. As a vehicle passes beneath the tolling structure, the system captures the number plate, classifies the vehicle based on axle count and dimensions, and generates a unique tracking ID. The toll amount is linked to the vehicle’s FASTag account as part of the entire tolling ecosystem.The biggest advantage of the barrier-less setup is that congestion at toll points is reduced. Since vehicles no longer need to slow down or stop, the system is expected to reduce long queues, improve traffic flow and reduce fuel wastage caused by idling and frequent stop-start movement.
However, motorists must ensure that their FASTag remains active and properly funded. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has said that if toll payment is not completed successfully, an e-notice will be issued to the vehicle owner. To avoid fines, drivers will have to pay the outstanding toll within 72 hours.If payment is made within the 72-hour period, only the normal toll amount will be charged. But if the payment is delayed by more than 72 hours, motorists will have to pay double the toll amount as fine.To avoid such issues, NHAI has advised vehicle owners to maintain adequate FASTag balance, keep their FASTag active at all times and ensure that the vehicle is fitted with a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP). Users are advised to regularly check the notifications linked to their registered mobile numbers for any pending toll alerts.
