Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll system and AI-based highway management will roll out nationwide by the end of 2026. This transformative initiative aims to eliminate waiting times at toll plazas, dramatically enhancing the travel experience for commuters.
During the Question Hour, Gadkari explained that the new tolling system will employ Artificial Intelligence, satellite technology, and number plate recognition. This advancement will ensure the seamless movement of vehicles without requiring stops at toll booths.
“With MLFF, commuters will not have to stop at toll plazas. Vehicles will be able to cross toll points at speeds up to 80 km per hour,” Gadkari stated. He emphasized that this system will replace the current FASTag mechanism, making travel even more efficient.
Previously, toll payment times ranged from three to ten minutes, but the introduction of FASTag reduced this duration to under a minute. Gadkari highlighted that FASTag has increased revenue by ₹5,000 crore, setting the groundwork for the upcoming MLFF system, which aims to reduce waiting time to zero.
Further discussing the economic benefits, Gadkari noted that the MLFF system could save approximately ₹1,500 crore in fuel costs and potentially generate an additional revenue of ₹6,000 crore for the government by eliminating toll leakage and theft.
“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,” he assured the members of the House.
The Minister also pointed out that the AI-enabled technology would significantly reduce travel time and enhance overall efficiency on national highways. This shift is particularly crucial as it represents a monumental step in modernizing India’s highway infrastructure.
Addressing concerns, Gadkari clarified that the central government manages only national highways, delineating responsibilities from state highways or city roads. He urged individuals not to misattribute issues related to state and urban roads to national highways, especially as such information often circulates on social media.
“We are making every effort to ensure a transparent, efficient, and corruption-free system,” Gadkari said, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving road safety and efficiency.
This announcement stands as a significant move toward enhancing the travel experience for millions of road users across India, making commutes more manageable and efficient.
