Technology-Driven Toll Collection System to Enable Barrier-Less Travel, Reduce Congestion and Enhance Commuter Convenience
Chandigarh, 25th June 2026: In a significant step towards realizing the Government of India’s vision of seamless, barrier-less and technology-driven highway travel, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced the rollout of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling System at Gharaunda Toll Plaza on the Panipat–Jalandhar section of National Highway-44.
The MLFF Tolling System was formally inaugurated by NHAI and Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), the technical arm of NHAI, in the presence of Shri Rakesh Kumar, Regional Officer, NHAI Chandigarh, and Shri A. R. Chitranshi, Chief Operating Officer, IHMCL.
The MLFF system marks a transformative shift from conventional toll plazas by enabling toll collection without requiring vehicles to stop or slow down. Leveraging advanced Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) technology, high-performance sensors and cameras mounted on overhead gantries automatically identify vehicles and deduct user fees through FASTag, allowing uninterrupted travel at highway speeds.
Transforming the Highway User Experience
The introduction of MLFF tolling is expected to significantly improve travel efficiency and commuter convenience through:
* Zero Waiting Time
The elimination of physical toll barriers ensures smooth and uninterrupted movement of vehicles, reducing travel delays and congestion at tolling points.
* Savings in Fuel and Travel Time
By removing the need for repeated braking, idling and acceleration at toll plazas, the system helps reduce fuel consumption and enables faster journey times.
Key Features of the MLFF Tolling System
- Gantry-Based Toll Collection
User fees are automatically collected through overhead gantries installed across the highway corridor. The structures provide a minimum vertical clearance of approximately 5.5 to 6.0 metres, ensuring unhindered movement of all permitted vehicles.
- Decongested Tolling Zones
To maintain smooth traffic flow and operational efficiency, strict enforcement measures have been implemented to prevent parking, encroachments and unauthorized stoppages within 200 metres on either side of the MLFF tolling zone.
- Robust Enforcement Mechanism
Route Patrol Vehicles (RPVs) and local enforcement agencies will actively monitor MLFF stretches to prevent violations such as wrong-side driving, number plate tampering and toll evasion.
e-Notice Mechanism for Unsuccessful Toll Payments
To safeguard revenue while ensuring transparency and convenience for road users, NHAI has introduced a structured e-Notice mechanism for instances where toll payment is not successfully processed through FASTag, including cases of insufficient balance, inactive tags or tag-related issues.
How Users Can Check e-Notices?
- Road users can verify and manage e-Notices through the designated NIC portal: www.nhfeenotice.parivahan.gov.in
- Users can access the portal by entering their vehicle registration number and authenticating through a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to the mobile number registered in the VAHAN database. e-Notice can also be viewed on Rajmargyatra Mobile App.
Payment Timeline
Payment within 72 Hours: User fee payable at the normal applicable toll rate (1x).
Payment after 72 Hours: User fee payable at twice the applicable toll rate (2x), as per prescribed provisions.
Grievance Redressal
In case a vehicle owner believes an e-Notice has been issued incorrectly, a grievance may be submitted through the NIC portal within 72 hours of issuance for review and resolution.
Advisory for Road Users
NHAI advises all highway users to:
* Maintain sufficient balance in their FASTag accounts at all times.
* Ensure FASTags remain active and properly affixed on vehicle windshields.
* Use clear and compliant High Security Registration Plates (HSRP).
* Adhere to traffic discipline and follow signage within MLFF zones.
NHAI has successfully implemented MLFF tolling at Choryasi in Gujarat, Mundka Toll Plaza in Delhi, Daulatpura Toll Plaza in Rajasthan. The implementation of MLFF tolling at Gharaunda Toll Plaza represents another milestone in India's journey towards a modern, efficient and intelligent highway network. By leveraging advanced technology for barrier-less toll collection, NHAI aims to enhance commuter convenience, reduce travel time, improve fuel efficiency and create a safer and more sustainable road transport ecosystem.
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