No More Waiting At Toll Plazas: Indian Government To Implement AI-Based Free-Flow Tolling By 2026

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced that a new multi-lane free-flow tolling (MLFF) system with AI-driven highway management will be implemented across India's national highways by the end of 2026. The announcement was made during a recent Parliament session.

With this new AI-driven technology, commuters will not need to wait at toll plazas. The system will eliminate waiting time, save fuel worth Rs 1,500 crore, and increase the government's revenue by Rs 6,000 crore. Earlier, with the introduction of FASTag, revenue has increased by at least Rs 5,000 crore, as quoted by the minister.

Gadkari also believes that after implementing the multi-lane free-flow toll system, commuters can cross toll plazas at speeds of up to 80 km/h. He also highlighted the benefits of the FASTag system, which has reduced toll waiting time from 3-10 minutes to just 60 seconds. The government is aiming for zero waiting time at Toll Plazas.

How does AI-Based Free-Flow Tolling collection work?

This new technology will be based on number plate recognition using AI. When a vehicle passes through a toll plaza, the number plates are captured using high-resolution cameras. Then, with the help of AI technology, the number plate and the vehicle are identified along with its FASTag. Then, through automation, the toll fee will be deducted from the linked bank account.

The minister also said, "By 2026, we will complete this work 100 per cent. Once this task is complete, fuel savings will reach ₹1,500 crore, our income will increase by ₹6,000 crore, and toll leakage will end. We are trying to make the system transparent and corruption-free. There will be no problems, and people will not have to stop at toll plazas."

This new technology will help travellers save time and fuel while reaching their destinations faster. However, the AI-based toll system will be implemented only on national highways and will not be extended to state highways or city roads. In the future, the government also plans to introduce satellite-based tolling, under which toll charges will be based on the actual distance travelled by the vehicle.