Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Wednesday in the Rajya Sabha that the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll system and AI-based highway management technology will be implemented nationwide by the end of 2026. This initiative aims to eliminate waiting times at toll plazas, enhancing the travel experience for millions of commuters.
The Minister outlined how the new tolling mechanism will utilize artificial intelligence, satellite technology, and number plate recognition. This will allow vehicles to pass through toll points seamlessly, without stopping. “With MLFF, commuters will not have to stop at toll plazas. Vehicles will be able to cross toll points at speeds of up to 80 km per hour,” stated Gadkari, indicating that this system will phase out the existing FASTag mechanism.
Previously, toll payments could take three to ten minutes. The introduction of FASTag reduced this to under a minute. “FASTag increased our revenue by at least ₹5,000 crore. MLFF is an even better facility, and our goal is to bring waiting time down to zero minutes,” he confirmed, evidencing the significant advancements in India’s toll collection infrastructure.
Gadkari also emphasized the financial benefits of the MLFF system, estimating that it would save fuel costs amounting to ₹1,500 crore and generate an additional ₹6,000 crore in government revenue. Importantly, the new system aims to completely eliminate toll leakage and theft, thereby enhancing transparency.
“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 members of the Rajya Sabha.
The introduction of AI-enabled technology marks a significant leap in reducing travel time and improving overall efficiency on national highways. Gadkari further clarified that the central government oversees only national highways, distancing itself from state highways or urban road issues often misrepresented on social media.
“We are making every effort to ensure a transparent, efficient, and corruption-free system,” he affirmed, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure concerns. The announcement signifies a pivotal move towards modernizing India’s highway infrastructure.
In conclusion, the implementation of the MLFF toll system and AI-driven highway management by 2026 will revolutionize travel for countless road users across India. The anticipated reduction in travel time and improved tolling system represents a substantial upgrade in the nation’s highway operations.
