New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced Tamil Nadu’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at Paranur Toll Plaza on the Tambaram–Tindivanam section of NH-179B. The system allows vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping at physical barriers.
The new tolling system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology and FASTag-based Electronic Toll Collection to facilitate automated toll collection and improve traffic movement on National Highways.
How the MLFF Tolling System Works
The Multi-Lane Free Flow system eliminates the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas for toll payment. It uses technology to identify vehicles and facilitate electronic toll collection, reducing the need for manual intervention.
According to NHAI, the system is expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve travel time and enhance fuel efficiency. It is also expected to help lower vehicular emissions by minimising unnecessary stops and idling at toll plazas.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader push to use technology to improve public services and enhance Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business.
MLFF System Introduced at Multiple National Highway Locations
NHAI is implementing MLFF-based tolling across the country in phases. Apart from Paranur in Tamil Nadu, the system has been rolled out at several toll plazas across different states.
These include Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat–Bharuch section of NH-48 in Gujarat, Mundka-Bakkarwala Toll Plaza on the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) in Delhi-NCR and Shahjahanpur, Daulatpura and Manoharpura toll plazas on the Delhi–Jaipur section of NH-48 in Rajasthan.
Gharaunda Toll Plaza on the Panipat–Jalandhar section of National Highway-44 in Haryana is also among the locations where the system has been introduced.
FASTag Users Must Maintain Sufficient Balance
NHAI has advised National Highway users to ensure that their FASTag is functional and has sufficient balance for seamless travel through MLFF tolling points.
Failure to maintain a functional FASTag with adequate balance may result in an Electronic Notice (E-Notice), as applicable under the tolling system’s rules.
The authority said the implementation of MLFF is expected to improve transparency, reduce operational costs associated with physical toll infrastructure and enhance the overall efficiency of toll collection across the country.
The phased rollout marks a shift towards technology-driven toll collection on National Highways, intending to make highway journeys faster and more convenient for commuters.