Multi-Lane Free Flow Tolling (MLFFT) (Indian Economy)
Multi-Lane Free Flow Tolling (MLFFT) (Indian Economy)
Why In News:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at the Manoharpura Toll Plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur section of NH-48 in Rajasthan on 1 July 2026.
Source: PIB Today, 1 July 2026, 'Multi-Lane Free Flow Tolling (MLFFT)'.
What is MLFFT?
A barrier-less tolling system in which vehicles pass through toll points at highway speed without stopping, eliminating traditional toll booths.
Implemented by NHAI through its subsidiary, the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), in partnership with banks, financial institutions, and system integrators.
The Underlying Technology
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras positioned front and rear capture the vehicle's registration number.
High-performance RFID readers simultaneously detect and authenticate the vehicle's FASTag.
AI-enabled software cross-verifies the number plate and FASTag data before the toll amount is automatically deducted, with no manual intervention.
If a FASTag is invalid, inactive, or has insufficient balance, users receive an Electronic Notice (E-Notice) and must clear the toll within 72 hours, failing which double the normal fee is charged.
Significance
Reduces congestion, fuel wastage, and vehicular emissions at toll plazas by ensuring zero waiting time.
Part of the broader push towards Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and smart, digitally governed national highways, supporting Ease of Living.
Key Facts for Prelims
FASTag was introduced in 2014 and made mandatory nationwide from 2021 for electronic toll collection.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was set up under NHAI Act, 1988. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
It has been entrusted with the National Highways Development Project, along with other minor projects for development, maintenance and management.
National Highways Development Project (NHDP) is a project to upgrade, rehabilitate and widen major highways in India to a higher standard. The project was started in 1998.
MLFF should be distinguished from GNSS (satellite)-based tolling, a separate technology being piloted in India that charges tolls based on the actual distance travelled, tracked via satellite positioning rather than physical toll points.