NHAI Introduces Barrier-Free Tolling: What Changes for Highway Users?
Indian highway travel is shifting towards an alternative toll payment mechanism that ensures vehicles traverse toll points without stopping at regular toll booths. According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the expansion of Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling has been initiated. It includes Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras along with FASTag toll payment.
This mechanism is currently operating at several toll plazas on the Delhi-Jaipur stretch of NH-48. Daulatpura Toll Plaza emerged as the first MLFF Toll Plaza in the state of Rajasthan in June 2026, with Manoharpura Toll Plaza in July and Shahjahanpur in August.
Barrier-Free Tolling Definition
Barrier-free tolling is defined as the procedure where the payment is made at toll points without stopping at the actual toll barrier. This happens using cameras and other electronic systems to identify the vehicle while it is in movement.
In the current MLFF toll payment mechanism, high-resolution ANPR cameras recognize the vehicle registration number while the FASTag toll infrastructure facilitates the process of electronic toll payment.
How Will FASTag Work Under the New System?
FASTag is still significant despite the fact that cars do not have to halt at the toll barrier. The MLFF process includes a combination of FASTag and ANPR systems to ensure that vehicles can be electronically identified when moving through the toll point.
Therefore, it is still essential for car owners to ensure that their FASTag account has enough funds for successful MLFF. It has been recommended by NHAI that highway users keep adequate funds in their FASTag accounts for successful MLFF.
In the event that a vehicle has inadequate funds, invalid FASTag, or broken FASTag, then an electronic notification can be generated regarding the unpaid user charges.
What Happens If the Toll Is Not Paid?
The government has also set up provisions for dealing with defaulters of toll in barrier-free toll collection systems.
Under the National Highways Fee Rules, 2026, the government has provided for sending of electronic notice to the owner of the registered vehicle in the event a passage occurs without receipt of the applicable user fee.
The electronic notice may include particulars of the vehicle, date and place of passage and the amount required to be paid.
The government has set up a 72-hour period during which payment of the normal toll can be made. However, if the amount has still not been paid beyond this period, the user fee becomes twice the normal amount.
Provisions have also been made for grievance redressal in case the vehicle owner/driver does not agree with the charge.
What Happens If Someone Ignores the E-Notice?
However, there could be some other implications apart from the actual collection of the toll payment.
Under the revised rules, when there are outstanding user charges after 15 days and no outstanding grievance, the dues can be registered under VAHAN, and there can be limitations on some vehicle services until the outstanding amounts are paid.
This is especially relevant considering that barrier-free tolling gets rid of the physical barrier where a motorist had to settle his issues at once.
Where Are Barrier-Free Tolling Locations Currently in Operation?
One of the busiest highways where barrier-free toll plazas are getting implemented is NH-48 Delhi-Jaipur section.
NHAI implemented MLFF on Daulatpura Toll Plaza in June 2026. In July, the Manoharpura toll plaza received MLFF. Shahjahanpur Toll Plaza became the third location along the Delhi-Jaipur section to implement barrier-free tolling in August.
The expansion of the barrier-free toll plazas means that people driving on the road from Manesar to Jaipur will get a chance to have a smooth ride through the tolling locations.
How Will Barrier-Free Tolling Benefit Drivers?
The most significant alteration will be the removal of the customary procedure of stopping and queuing at equipped toll plazas.
According to NHAI, MLFF will lead to reduced wait times, better fuel efficiency, and fewer emissions because vehicles will not have to slow down and stop constantly at the toll barriers. This system will also require less infrastructure and human interference.
In high volume traffic corridors, this may turn out to be a very significant benefit especially during peak hours when conventional toll plazas are usually crowded.
Is This Similar to Satellite-Based Tolling?
No, not really. While the Indian Highway Authority had considered satellite navigation system (GNSS)-based electronic tolling as a possible future option for barrier free tolling on highways, the currently rolled out MLFF scheme is based on ANPR technology coupled with FASTag.
NHAI has clarified earlier that claims regarding the imminent replacement of FASTag tolling with satellite-based tolling all over the country are incorrect.
This means that motorists cannot take the implementation of MLFF as the disbandment of FASTag tolling.
What Should Highway Users Do Now?
The change is not too difficult for the motorist. The requirement of having a valid FASTag and maintaining sufficient balance to avoid issues during passage through the MLFF tolls still applies.
The vehicle owners will need to make sure that their registration and FASTag details are linked and their FASTags work correctly.
As toll barriers are unlikely to stop the motorists in case of a failure to pay for the road passage, it is recommended for the motorists to pay attention to electronic notifications that could be sent to them in such cases.
What Is the Larger Change for Indian Highways?
The change from barrier-based tolling is part of a digital transformation of Indian highway infrastructure.
NHAI has been planning for a barrier-free electronic tolling system for several years. Initially, the plans entailed using FASTag and ANPR for selected fee plazas, and depending on how successful the projects would be.
The implementation witnessed in 2026 means that the transition of the system into operation in selected corridors is underway.
In the long run, the goal is to have highways where tolling would be invisible for the motorist but still be digital and enforceable.
What About Highway Infrastructure Beyond Tolling?
The tolling transformation is an aspect of an overall plan to update the national highways’ operations. However, barrier-free tolling and drainage improvement of highways are two different technologies that need to be treated as such.
Drainage improvements become especially vital for the operation and maintenance of highways as lack of water management may cause waterlogging, pavement damage and tough driving conditions during the rains. Every particular drainage improvement project should be identified separately depending on highway or project location, and cannot be considered as a part of MLFF implementation.
Conclusion
Transition from barrier tolling to barrier-free tolling of NHAI brings significant changes to the way people pay their fees on highways. Motorists will no longer stop at toll booths and use MLFF locations where ANPR cameras and FASTag system will automatically identify and collect payment from them.
The system works in a number of locations now, including the Delhi-Jaipur section of NH-48, and there are certain digital measures of enforcement for those who fail to pay the toll.
As for motorists, they need to remember one thing: keep your FASTag valid and have enough money on your account.
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