Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Wednesday that the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll system and AI-driven highway management will be implemented nationwide by the end of 2026. This innovative plan aims to eliminate the waiting time at toll plazas, significantly enhancing the experience for millions of commuters.
During the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Gadkari detailed the features of the upcoming tolling mechanism. The system will leverage Artificial Intelligence, satellite technology, and number plate recognition to enable vehicles to travel smoothly without the need to stop at toll booths.
“With MLFF, commuters will not have to stop at toll plazas. Vehicles will be able to cross toll points at speeds of up to 80 km per hour, significantly improving traffic flow,” Gadkari stated. This new system intends to phase out the existing FASTag mechanism, which has already shown remarkable efficiency.
Previously, toll payments took between three to ten minutes, but the introduction of FASTag reduced this to less than a minute. “FASTag increased our revenue by at least ₹5,000 crore,” Gadkari said. With the launch of MLFF, the target is to reduce waiting time to zero.
The implementation of this system is expected not only to enhance performance but also to create substantial economic benefits. According to Gadkari, the initiative could save fuel worth ₹1,500 crore and generate an additional ₹6,000 crore in government revenue. It also aims to eradicate toll leakage and theft, which have been persistent issues within the current system.
Assuring the members of the House, Gadkari indicated, “By 2026, this work will be completed 100 percent. Once implemented, toll theft will end, transparency will increase, and commuters will not face any inconvenience at toll plazas.”
The Minister emphasised that this AI-enabled technology would significantly reduce overall travel time and improve efficiency across India’s national highways. He clarified that while the central government is accountable for national highways, state and urban road issues fall beyond its purview. Misattribution of these problems on social media often leads to confusion regarding accountability.
“We are making every effort to ensure a transparent, efficient, and corruption-free system,” Gadkari reiterated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to advancing India’s highway infrastructure.
This announcement marks a significant leap forward in modernising India’s road travel experience. By enhancing the toll payment process and implementing advanced management technologies, the government aims to facilitate smoother commutes for millions of road users across the nation.
