Gujarat’s Choryasi Toll Plaza on NH-48 made history as nearly 41,500 vehicles zipped through India’s first barrier-free tolling setup on its debut day. Official data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, shared Saturday, underscores the system’s immediate success in transforming toll experiences.
Operated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology uses ANPR cameras and Fastag integration to deduct tolls electronically as vehicles maintain speed. No more queuing at gates—drivers simply drive on, with charges seamlessly debited.
Benefits are manifold: less traffic jams, shorter travel times, fuel savings, and a dip in pollution from idling engines. It’s a smart fix to one of India’s persistent road woes, especially on busy corridors like Surat-Bharuch.
Minister Nitin Gadkari, who greenlit the project Friday, called it a ‘major stride in modernizing highways to world-class levels.’ He highlighted its role in easing passenger commutes and accelerating freight movement, vital for economic growth.
With digital tolling already standard since April 2026 via Fastag and UPI, and over 98% vehicle compliance, NHAI is pushing for vigilant account management. Insufficient funds trigger notices, with 72-hour payment windows before penalties like double tolls kick in.
As part of the government’s ambitious highway upgrade plan, this pilot paves the way for nationwide rollout, promising a future where toll plazas are relics of the past and roads are freer than ever.
