The nationwide rollout of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system, integrated with artificial intelligence-powered highway management, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, a move that will virtually eliminate waiting time at toll plazas across national highways, Parliament was informed on Wednesday.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said the government’s objective is to bring toll plaza waiting time down to zero minutes. He stated that the new system will allow vehicles to pass through toll points at speeds of up to 80 km per hour without stopping, significantly improving traffic flow and commuter convenience.
According to the minister, the MLFF tolling mechanism will function through a combination of AI-based number plate recognition, satellite tracking and FASTag integration to automatically identify vehicles and deduct toll charges. Once fully implemented, the system is expected to remove the need for physical toll barriers, thereby eliminating congestion at plazas.
Gadkari told the House that the MLFF system would be implemented across national highways by 2026 and would also help prevent revenue leakage. He noted that improved efficiency in toll collection and smoother traffic movement would reduce travel time and fuel consumption for road users, while simultaneously enhancing government revenue.
Responding to supplementary questions during Question Hour, the minister said the shift towards AI-based tolling represents the next phase of highway modernisation in the country. He explained that while the introduction of FASTag had already reduced waiting time at toll plazas to under a minute in most cases, the MLFF system would remove stoppages altogether.
“The idea is that commuters should not have to wait at all at toll plazas. Vehicles will be able to cross at normal highway speeds, saving both time and fuel,” Gadkari said.
The minister highlighted the financial impact of technology-driven tolling reforms, stating that the adoption of FASTag had already led to a significant increase in toll revenue. According to him, government income from toll collections rose by at least ₹5,000 crore after the introduction of FASTag, largely due to improved compliance and reduced leakages.
With the transition to MLFF tolling, Gadkari said FASTag would eventually be replaced by the new system, which would rely more heavily on automated vehicle identification and tracking technologies. He reiterated that no vehicle would be required to stop at toll plazas once the system is operational.
The nationwide implementation of MLFF tolling is also expected to play a key role in enhancing overall highway efficiency. By removing bottlenecks at toll points, the system is likely to improve average travel speeds, reduce emissions caused by idling vehicles, and contribute to smoother logistics and freight movement.
The government’s push for AI-powered highway management forms part of its broader strategy to modernise road infrastructure and improve the driving experience on national highways. Officials have indicated that the technology will also support better monitoring of traffic patterns and enforcement mechanisms.
Once fully rolled out, the MLFF tolling system is expected to mark a major shift in India’s toll collection framework, building on earlier digital initiatives while aiming to deliver faster, seamless and more efficient road travel for millions of commuters.
