No More Toll Plaza Queues: AI System To Roll Out Across India by 2026
Gadkari announces AI-based multi-lane free flow tolling nationwide by 2026-end, ending waits at plazas.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that India’s highways will feature AI-driven Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll systems by the end of 2026. The new technology aims to eliminate waiting times at toll plazas, providing a seamless experience for commuters.
Gadkari explained that the AI-based system will use satellite-enabled number plate recognition integrated with FastTag technology, allowing vehicles to pass tolls at speeds up to 80 km/h without stopping. This will not only reduce travel time but also help curb toll-related corruption and theft.
Highlighting the financial impact, Gadkari said the system is expected to save fuel worth ₹1,500 crore annually while adding an additional ₹6,000 crore to government revenue. He noted that the previous FastTag system had already cut waiting times from 3–10 minutes to under a minute, and MLFF will take efficiency to the next level.
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The minister emphasized that while the initiative covers national highways, it does not extend to state highways or city roads, though social media often misattributes urban traffic issues to national highways. Gadkari reassured members that the system will make toll collection more transparent and corruption-free.
MLFF represents a major step toward modernizing India’s highway infrastructure. With automated tolling, improved traffic flow, and reduced fuel wastage, the technology aligns with the government’s goal of enhancing commuter convenience while boosting fiscal efficiency.
The rollout of AI-powered toll plazas is part of a broader effort to digitize and optimize highway operations nationwide. Officials are expected to complete installation, testing, and integration across all national highways by the projected 2026 timeline, marking a milestone in India’s smart infrastructure journey.
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