Surat, May 1: A significant step towards modernizing road travel in India has been taken with the inauguration of the country’s first barrier-free toll plaza near Surat on the Mumbai-Delhi National Highway (NH48). Located at the Choryasi toll plaza, vehicles can now pass through without stopping, eliminating the need for drivers to brake or wait in line.
This toll plaza, situated on the Kamrej-Choryasi section between Surat and Bharuch, has been fully operational following a two-month trial period. The system is entirely barrier-free, meaning there are no physical barriers or gates to halt vehicles.
The new arrangement employs Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology, implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) as part of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ modern tolling initiative. The government’s goal is to convert over 1,050 toll plazas across the country to similar smart and automated systems by the end of 2026.
Toll collection is completely automated. As a vehicle passes through the toll plaza, high-resolution cameras mounted on overhead gantries scan the license plate, while RFID sensors linked to FASTag read the vehicle’s information. The toll amount is then directly deducted from the vehicle owner’s bank account, eliminating the need for cash transactions or stopping.
For vehicles without FASTag, the system still identifies them through their license plates and sends an e-notice to the registered number with payment details.
NHAI’s Chief Operating Officer, A.R. Chitranjan, stated that this system is entirely hassle-free, allowing vehicles to pass directly under the toll gantry without stopping. This technology significantly speeds up traffic flow, enabling vehicles to cross the toll at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. It is expected to reduce long traffic jams, especially on routes that previously experienced heavy congestion at tolls.
The system is anticipated to save not only time but also fuel, with estimates suggesting a potential annual saving of around ₹15 billion due to the elimination of stop-and-go driving. Additionally, increased transparency and efficiency in toll collection could generate approximately ₹60 billion in extra revenue.
Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari emphasized that India is moving towards a completely barrier-free tolling system by the end of 2026, with Surat’s project serving as a pilot model for nationwide implementation.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
