India Targets Barrier-Free Tolling by March 2027
India plans to roll out barrier-free toll collection across national highways by March 2027, with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari saying the government’s goal is to eliminate vehicle stoppages at toll plazas.
Barrier-Free Tolling to Cover All Toll Plazas
The new Multi-Lane Free Flow system will combine FASTag with Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, allowing vehicles to pass tolling points without stopping at physical barriers.
Gadkari said around 60% to 70% of the system is expected to become operational by December, with nationwide implementation targeted by March 2027.
India currently has around 1,200 toll plazas operated by the National Highways Authority of India or private concessionaires.
Toll Waiting Time Could Fall Below 10 Seconds
The government expects MLFF technology to bring waiting time at toll points to below 10 seconds while significantly lowering operating and maintenance expenses.
Current tolling costs are estimated at around 12% to 15% of collections. Gadkari said the barrier-free system could reduce that figure to between 2% and 4%.
The government also expects improved toll compliance and efficiency to generate up to ₹10,000 crore in additional annual revenue.
OneTag Allows FASTag Bank Portability
Gadkari also launched “OneTag”, a new NETC FASTag portability service allowing motorists to change their FASTag issuing bank without replacing the physical tag attached to their vehicle.
The system works similarly to mobile number portability, removing the need to purchase a new FASTag when switching banks.
FASTag penetration has crossed 98%, with around 13 crore tags issued nationwide. Annual toll collections through the system have reached approximately ₹82,500 crore as India moves towards fully digital highway tolling.
