NHAI introduces barrier-less MLFF tolling at Gharaunda toll plaza on NH-44

June 27, 2026

Barrier-less highway travel begins: NHAI has launched the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at Gharaunda Toll Plaza on NH-44, enabling seamless FASTag-based toll collection without stopping, reducing congestion, saving fuel and improving commuter convenience.

New Delhi, June 25: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has rolled out the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling System at the Gharaunda Toll Plaza on the Panipat-Jalandhar section of National Highway-44. The initiative marks a major step towards the Government of India’s vision of creating a modern, technology-driven and barrier-free highway network across the country.

The MLFF system eliminates the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas by using advanced Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) technology. High-performance cameras and sensors mounted on overhead gantries automatically identify vehicles and deduct toll charges through FASTag, allowing uninterrupted travel at highway speeds.

Faster journeys with zero waiting time

With the removal of physical toll barriers, commuters are expected to experience significantly shorter travel times and smoother traffic flow. Vehicles will no longer need to slow down, stop or queue at toll plazas, reducing congestion and improving overall travel efficiency.

The new system is also expected to lower fuel consumption by eliminating repeated braking, idling and acceleration, making highway travel more economical and environmentally friendly.

How the MLFF tolling system works

The barrier-less tolling mechanism relies on overhead gantries installed across the highway corridor. These gantries automatically detect vehicles using advanced cameras and electronic sensors while maintaining a vertical clearance of approximately 5.5 to 6 metres, ensuring uninterrupted movement of all permitted vehicles.

To maintain efficient traffic flow, NHAI has prohibited parking, encroachments and unauthorised stoppages within 200 metres on either side of the MLFF tolling zone.

🚗 No more stopping at toll plazas!

NHAI has rolled out the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at Gharaunda Toll Plaza on NH-44, enabling barrier-less FASTag-based toll collection. The new technology is set to reduce congestion, save fuel, cut travel time and make… pic.twitter.com/Xc2VHY7jVN
— Ankita Sharma (@AnkitasharmaPr) June 27, 2026

Strict enforcement to prevent violations

NHAI has deployed Route Patrol Vehicles (RPVs) along with local enforcement agencies to monitor MLFF corridors and curb violations such as:

Wrong-side driving
Tampering with vehicle number plates
Toll evasion
Unauthorised stopping near tolling zones

These measures are intended to ensure smooth operations and protect the integrity of the new toll collection system.

The e-Notice system was introduced for failed FASTag payments

To address cases where toll payments are unsuccessful due to insufficient FASTag balance, inactive tags or other tag-related issues, NHAI has introduced a structured e-Notice mechanism.

Vehicle owners can check pending notices by visiting the designated NIC portal using their vehicle registration number and OTP verification linked to the VAHAN database. e-Notices can also be accessed through the Rajmarg Yatra mobile application.

Payment timeline

Within 72 hours: Toll is payable at the normal applicable rate (1x).
After 72 hours: Toll is payable at twice the applicable rate (2x), as per the prescribed provisions.

Grievance redressal mechanism

If a vehicle owner believes an e-Notice has been issued incorrectly, a grievance can be submitted through the NIC portal within 72 hours of the notice being generated. The complaint will be reviewed for appropriate resolution.

Advisory for highway users

NHAI has advised commuters to follow a few simple precautions to ensure uninterrupted travel under the MLFF system:

Maintain sufficient balance in FASTag accounts.
Ensure FASTags are active and properly affixed to the windshield.
Use compliant High Security Registration Plates (HSRP).
Follow traffic rules and road signage within MLFF zones.

Expanding India’s intelligent highway network

The Gharaunda installation adds to NHAI’s growing network of MLFF-enabled toll plazas. The authority has already implemented the system at Choryasi in Gujarat, Mundka Toll Plaza in Delhi and Daulatpura Toll Plaza in Rajasthan.

According to NHAI, the expansion of MLFF tolling represents another milestone in India’s transition towards an intelligent transport ecosystem. By leveraging digital toll collection technology, the authority aims to improve commuter convenience, reduce travel time, enhance fuel efficiency and build a safer and more sustainable national highway network.