India’s first barrier-free toll plaza is now operational on NH48 in Gujarat, marking a significant move toward fully automated toll collection in the country.Located near Surat on the busy Mumbai–Delhi highway, the Choryasi toll plaza on the Kamrej–Choryasi stretch between Surat and Bharuch opened after nearly two months of trials that began on February 2.
The new system removes physical barriers, allowing vehicles to pass through without stopping and ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow.It operates on Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology and has been introduced by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ initiative to modernise tolling infrastructure.The government plans to upgrade over 1,050 toll plazas across the country to AI-based barrier-free systems by the end of 2026.Toll charges are collected automatically using a combination of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag. High-resolution cameras mounted on overhead gantries capture vehicle number plates, while RFID sensors read FASTag data, enabling direct deduction from linked bank accounts without manual intervention.NHAI Chief Operating Officer A.R. Chitransi said the system eliminates the need for vehicles to stop at toll points, with tolls deducted as vehicles pass under the gantry.Officials added that the contactless process is designed to cut congestion and reduce waiting times.
Vehicles can pass at speeds of up to 80 kmph, easing long-standing issues of queues and traffic build-up on busy highways.In cases where vehicles do not have an active FASTag, the system identifies them through number plate recognition and sends an electronic notice to the registered owner for payment.Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said India aims to achieve fully barrier-free toll collection by the end of 2026, with the Surat project serving as a pilot.
Authorities estimate that this system could save around ₹1,500 crore in fuel costs annually and generate an additional ₹6,000 crore in revenue through improved efficiency and compliance.