By the end of 2026, highway commuters in India can expect a barrier-free toll collection system, according to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. The ambitious plan aims to eliminate waiting times at toll plazas and significantly improve traffic flow on national highways.
Gadkari announced the nationwide rollout of the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) tolling system, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. This system will allow vehicles to pass toll points at speeds of up to 80 km per hour without stopping. The technology relies on AI-based number plate recognition, satellite tracking, and FASTag integration to automatically identify vehicles and deduct toll charges.
The transition from manual toll collection to FASTag has already reduced waiting times from several minutes to under a minute and boosted toll revenues. With MLFF replacing FASTag, vehicles will no longer need to slow down or stop at toll plazas, further improving traffic movement and travel time. Gadkari stated that the goal is to bring waiting time down to zero minutes. The implementation of MLFF is expected to curb toll leakage, reduce fuel consumption, and improve travel efficiency.
According to Gadkari, the use of RFID in transport has become beneficial. He noted that toll collection through RFID has resulted in gains of ₹8,000 crore. With the expansion of this system, additional gains are expected.
The AI-based tolling system is part of a broader technology-driven initiative to modernize India's highway infrastructure and improve commuter experience. In addition to infrastructure upgrades, Gadkari announced an expansion of the government's cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims. Accident victims will be entitled to cashless medical treatment of up to ₹150,000 per person per accident for the first seven days of hospitalization. The government will facilitate payments directly to hospitals to ensure that victims are not denied treatment due to lack of upfront funds.
The Centre will reimburse costs for specialized ambulance services that meet response-time targets. To encourage bystander intervention, the "Rah-Veer" scheme will honor good Samaritans who rush accident victims to hospitals with the title 'Rahaveer' and a cash reward of ₹25,000.
Gadkari also mentioned a FASTag annual pass launched in August, which allows private vehicles to cross 200 plazas and has provided relief for people. Over 40 lakh private car owners have subscribed to the FASTag annual pass. Furthermore, a system is being put in place where vehicle owners will have to clear all dues, including pending toll fees and e-challans, when they sell their vehicles or renew registration.
The focus is now on building greenfield highways to reduce logistics costs. Gadkari noted that logistics costs on the road have reduced, and he is confident that they will be in single digits soon. He emphasized that infrastructure development is driving India's economic growth.
