Delhi-NCR Launches Barrier-Free Toll System

Long queues at toll plazas and traffic bottlenecks in the National Capital Region may soon become a thing of the past as Delhi-NCR has introduced its first barrier-less toll collection system. The new Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling technology was inaugurated at the Mundka-Bakkarwala toll plaza on Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday. The initiative aims to allow vehicles to pass through toll lanes without stopping, reducing congestion, saving travel time, and improving fuel efficiency for commuters using the busy corridor daily.

The newly implemented MLFF system removes the need for physical barriers, toll booths, and manual toll operators by relying on advanced camera-based technology. Each lane at the toll plaza has been fitted with three cameras capable of identifying vehicle registration numbers while the vehicles remain in motion. The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras capture the number plate details and transmit the information to FASTag-reading devices installed across the lanes, ensuring seamless toll collection without requiring drivers to slow down near scanners.

Under the new mechanism, once the vehicle details are verified, the toll amount is automatically deducted from the FASTag account linked to the vehicle. Authorities said the technology has been designed to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow and reduce disputes that frequently arise at conventional toll booths. Officials believe the system will significantly cut waiting times during peak hours, especially on routes connecting Delhi with neighbouring regions such as Gurugram and other parts of the NCR, where traffic congestion at toll plazas has long been a major issue for commuters.

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The government has also outlined strict enforcement measures for vehicles that do not have sufficient FASTag balance or are not equipped with FASTag facilities. Such vehicles will still be identified through ANPR cameras, following which an electronic notice will be sent to the registered owner demanding payment of the toll amount. Authorities stated that if the payment is not made within 72 hours, violators may face a penalty amounting to one-and-a-half times the original toll fee. Repeat offenders could also face FASTag suspension, cancellation of driving licences, or even vehicle seizure by law enforcement agencies.

According to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the country currently operates more than 1,300 toll plazas on National Highways, and the government plans to gradually expand the MLFF system across India. Minister Nitin Gadkari said the technology could help save nearly Rs 7,000 crore annually by reducing congestion and operational inefficiencies, while also saving fuel worth around Rs 285 crore every year. He added that the move would contribute to lower carbon emissions and improve overall road discipline through better traffic compliance and automated enforcement mechanisms.

Commuters travelling through the Mundka-Bakkarwala toll plaza welcomed the launch of the new system, saying it could provide major relief during rush hours. A commuter identified as Neeraj, who frequently travels between Gurugram and Delhi, said the initiative would benefit both motorists and the government by reducing delays and unnecessary fuel consumption. Another commuter praised the barrier-less model and called for similar technology to be introduced nationwide. The new tolling system officially became operational at midnight, marking a major step in India’s transition toward fully digital and automated highway infrastructure.

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