Delhi Gets First Barrier-Free Toll Plaza as Nitin Gadkari Launches MLFF System

  • May 12, 2026, 11:57 a.m.

Delhi has entered a new era of highway travel with the launch of its first barrier-free toll plaza on the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) corridor near Mundka–Bakkarwala. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system, which allows vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping.

The project marks:

  • Delhi-NCR’s first barrier-less toll plaza
  • India’s second operational MLFF toll system after Gujarat’s Surat–Bharuch stretch.

How the New Barrier-Free Toll System Works

Unlike traditional toll plazas with physical barriers and queues, the new MLFF system relies on:

  • FASTag RFID readers
  • Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras
  • High-speed detection sensors mounted above lanes.

As vehicles move through the toll point at speeds of up to 80–100 kmph:

  • FASTag details are scanned automatically
  • Vehicle registration numbers are verified
  • Toll charges are deducted digitally without requiring vehicles to stop.

Officials said penalties may apply in cases involving:

  • Invalid FASTags
  • Insufficient balance
  • Toll evasion attempts.

Why the Government Is Introducing MLFF Tolling

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the MLFF system aims to:

  • Reduce congestion at toll plazas
  • Cut fuel wastage caused by idling vehicles
  • Lower logistics costs
  • Improve highway efficiency and commuter convenience.

Nitin Gadkari said the government is moving toward world-class highway infrastructure with fully automated toll collection systems.

The minister also stated that:

  • Toll collection operational costs could drop from 12–15% to around 3–4%
  • The system may save:
    • ₹6,000 crore annually
    • Around 250 crore litres of fuel over time.

Why UER-II Is Strategically Important

The new system has been introduced on the Urban Extension Road-II corridor, a major infrastructure project designed to:

  • Reduce congestion inside Delhi
  • Improve freight and transit movement
  • Connect the outer Delhi areas with highways and expressways more efficiently.

The corridor is expected to ease traffic pressure on:

  • Ring Road
  • Outer Ring Road
  • NH-48 and other arterial routes.

India Moving Toward Barrier-Less Highways

The Delhi launch is part of a broader national transition toward:

  • Fully digital tolling
  • Contactless highway payments
  • Smart traffic infrastructure.

According to recent statements by Gadkari:

  • Physical toll plazas may gradually disappear by the end of 2026
  • Vehicles could eventually travel continuously without traditional toll booths.

The government sees MLFF as a key component of:

  • Faster freight movement
  • Reduced travel time
  • Lower vehicular emissions.

Why Barrier-Free Tolling Could Be a Major Shift for India

1. Faster Highway Mobility

Traditional toll plazas often create bottlenecks even on modern expressways. MLFF removes this choke point entirely.

2. Economic Impact

Reduced stoppage time can:

  • Improve logistics efficiency
  • Lower fuel consumption
  • Cut transportation costs for businesses.

3. Environmental Benefits

Continuous traffic flow reduces:

  • Fuel burning during idling
  • Carbon emissions near toll plazas.

4. Foundation for Smart Highways

The system reflects India’s shift toward:

  • AI-assisted traffic systems
  • Intelligent transport infrastructure
  • Digitised road-user charging models.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its advantages, implementation challenges remain:

  • Accuracy of ANPR cameras in Indian traffic conditions
  • FASTag compliance issues
  • Data privacy and enforcement concerns
  • Handling disputes related to incorrect toll deductions.

Experts also note that widespread adoption will require:

  • Strong backend systems
  • Reliable enforcement mechanisms
  • Public awareness and compliance.

Technology 

Delhi’s first barrier-free toll plaza marks a significant milestone in India’s highway modernisation journey. By replacing physical barriers with high-speed digital tolling, the government is attempting to make highway travel faster, cleaner, and more efficient.

If scaled successfully across the country, the MLFF system could fundamentally change how Indians experience toll roads—turning toll plazas from traffic bottlenecks into seamless digital checkpoints.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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