The Impressive TimesNEW DELHI, 25 JUNE2026 : In a major step toward modernizing India’s highway infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has begun the rollout of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling System at the Gharaunda Toll Plaza on the Panipat–Jalandhar stretch of National Highway-44.
The new system is designed to enable seamless, barrier-free travel by eliminating the need for vehicles to stop or slow down at toll plazas. Using advanced Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) technology, high-performance sensors, and cameras mounted on overhead gantries, the system automatically identifies vehicles and deducts toll charges through FASTag accounts while vehicles continue moving at highway speeds.
According to NHAI, the MLFF system is expected to significantly improve the highway travel experience by reducing congestion, eliminating waiting times, and ensuring smoother traffic flow. The removal of physical toll barriers will also help save fuel by reducing unnecessary braking, idling, and acceleration at toll plazas.
Under the new setup, toll collection will take place through overhead gantries installed across the highway corridor. These structures provide adequate vertical clearance for all permitted vehicles, ensuring uninterrupted movement. To maintain traffic discipline, parking, encroachments, and unauthorized stoppages within 200 metres of the tolling zone will be strictly prohibited.
NHAI has also introduced a robust enforcement mechanism involving Route Patrol Vehicles (RPVs) and local authorities to monitor violations such as wrong-side driving, number plate tampering, and toll evasion.
To address unsuccessful toll transactions caused by insufficient FASTag balance or inactive tags, NHAI has launched an e-Notice system. Vehicle owners can check notices through the official portal and make payments online. Toll charges paid within 72 hours will be levied at the normal rate, while delays beyond 72 hours will attract double the toll amount.
Road users have been advised to maintain sufficient FASTag balance, ensure tags are properly affixed, and use valid High Security Registration Plates (HSRP).
NHAI has already implemented MLFF tolling at Choryasi in Gujarat, Mundka Toll Plaza in Delhi, and Daulatpura Toll Plaza in Rajasthan. The rollout at Gharaunda marks another milestone in India’s push for a smarter, faster, and more efficient highway network powered by advanced technology.
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