Nationwide MLFF Expansion Plan
MLFF Tolling System Rollout Across National Highways: The Union Government has announced that the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system will be implemented across India by the end of 2026. This move is part of a broader push to modernise national highway infrastructure using advanced digital tools. The goal is to eliminate physical toll booths and create a seamless travel experience.
The announcement was made by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in the Rajya Sabha. The initiative aligns with India’s vision of technology-driven transport systems and reduced logistics costs.
Static GK fact: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways in India.
Zero Waiting at Toll Plazas
A key feature of the MLFF system is the complete removal of stoppage at toll plazas. Vehicles will no longer need to slow down or queue for toll payment. The targeted waiting time at toll points is zero minutes.
Under this system, vehicles can cross toll locations at speeds of up to 80 kmph. This uninterrupted movement is expected to significantly improve commuter convenience and reduce congestion on busy highway corridors.
Static GK Tip: India has over 1.4 lakh kilometres of National Highways, forming the backbone of road transport.
Technology Driving MLFF Tolling
The MLFF system relies on a combination of advanced digital technologies. Artificial intelligence-based number plate recognition, satellite tracking, and FASTag integration work together to identify vehicles and deduct toll charges automatically.
Cameras and sensors installed on overhead gantries capture vehicle details in real time. The system reduces the need for human intervention, lowering the chances of error and manipulation in toll collection.
Static GK fact: FASTag was introduced nationwide in 2019 to enable electronic toll payments using RFID technology.
Impact on Traffic and Fuel Efficiency
Eliminating stop-and-go traffic at toll plazas is expected to smoothen traffic flow across highways. Reduced braking and acceleration will help cut down fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.
Earlier, toll payment time ranged between 3 to 10 minutes per vehicle. FASTag reduced this to under a minute, and MLFF aims to improve efficiency even further by removing stoppages altogether.
Boost to Revenue Transparency
The government expects the MLFF system to address the issue of toll revenue leakage. Automated tolling ensures accurate distance-based or usage-based charging, improving transparency in collections.
The Minister highlighted that digital tolling has already led to a noticeable rise in toll revenues. With MLFF, the system becomes more robust and audit-friendly.
Static GK Tip: Toll revenue is a key non-tax source of income for infrastructure financing in India.
Towards Digital Highway Management
MLFF tolling is also a step towards AI-based highway management systems. Real-time data from vehicles can support traffic monitoring, incident detection, and better infrastructure planning.
This transition reflects India’s broader move towards smart transport infrastructure, supporting economic growth and reducing logistics bottlenecks. The nationwide rollout by 2026 marks a major milestone in India’s road transport reform.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
MLFF Tolling System Rollout Across National Highways:
| Topic | Detail |
| Scheme Name | Multi-Lane Free Flow Tolling System |
| Ministry | Ministry of Road Transport and Highways |
| Announced By | Nitin Gadkari |
| Target Year | 2026 |
| Key Technologies | AI, number plate recognition, satellite tracking, FASTag |
| Toll Waiting Time | Zero minutes |
| Speed at Toll Points | Up to 80 kmph |
| Key Objective | Seamless tolling and improved highway efficiency |
| Revenue Impact | Reduced leakage and higher transparency |
| Sector | National Highway Infrastructure |
