What is the Multi-Lane Free Flow Tolling System?

Why in News?

The Delhi-NCR region has officially launched its first barrier-less Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system on the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) in Delhi. MLFF technology allows vehicles to pass through toll points at highway speeds without stopping.

• On May 1, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) operationalised India’s first MLFF barrier-less tolling system at Choryasi toll plaza on the Surat-Bharuch section on NH-48 in Gujarat.
• The MLFF is projected to be implemented across national highways and expressways with four or more lanes by March 2029.  

What is the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling System?

• The Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system is an advanced electronic toll collection mechanism that allows vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping.
• Unlike conventional toll plazas that use barriers and manual verification, MLFF enables seamless toll deduction through:
  • Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras
  • FASTag-based electronic payment systems 
  • Digital vehicle identification technologies 

Key Features of the New Toll System: 

• Barrier-Less Tolling: Physical toll barriers have been removed. Vehicles no longer need to stop or slow down near toll booths.
• Automated Detection: Each lane is equipped with high-resolution ANPR cameras, FASTag readers, and vehicle classification systems.
• Seamless Toll Deduction: Toll charges are automatically deducted from the linked FASTag account. Human intervention is minimised. 
• Contactless and Digital: No cash collection, no manual ticketing and reduced operational delays

How does the MLFF Technology Work?

• Vehicle Detection: As a vehicle enters the toll zone:
  • ANPR cameras capture the vehicle registration number.
  • Cameras also identify vehicle type and axle configuration.
• FASTag Verification: The captured data is matched with the FASTag database.

• Automatic Toll Deduction: Once verified, toll charges are automatically deducted from the FASTag wallet/account. Vehicles continue moving without stopping.
• Digital Tracking: The system generates a digital transaction record for monitoring and compliance. 

Role of ANPR Technology: 

• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is an image-processing technology that:
  • Captures vehicle registration plates
  • Converts visual data into digital text
  • Matches the number with the central databases
• It enables real-time vehicle identification and enforcement.

What is FASTag?  • FASTag is a prepaid, reloadable electronic toll collection system in India, launched in 2014. Mandatory on all national highways since February 2021. • Managed by: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).  • It requires a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sticker on a vehicle’s windshield to enable automatic, cashless toll payments.  • When a FASTag-attached vehicle approaches a toll plaza, a scanner at the plaza identifies the tag via RFID and deducts tax from the linked bank account or the prepaid card.

What happens if the FASTag balance is insufficient?

• E-Notice Mechanism: If the FASTag balance is low, FASTag is inactive, or the vehicle lacks FASTag, the ANPR system still records the vehicle details and an electronic notice (e-notice) is issued.
• Penalty Provisions: Users must clear dues within 72 hours. Failure to pay may attract penalties ranging from 1.5 times to double the toll amount.
• Repeated violations may lead to FASTag suspension, driving licence cancellation, or vehicle seizure.

Importance of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP): 

The system depends heavily on accurate number plate recognition. Therefore, vehicles are expected to use:

• Standardised High Security Registration Plates (HSRP)
• Clearly visible registration numbers

This improves the efficiency and accuracy of ANPR cameras.

Benefits of the MLFF Tolling System: 

• Reduced Traffic Congestion due to barrier-less movement. 
• Fuel Savings due to reduced braking and idling lower fuel consumption.
• Lower Carbon Emissions as smooth traffic movement reduces vehicular emissions.
• Better Toll Administration as the system improves transparency, digital monitoring and revenue efficiency. It also reduces manpower costs. 

Challenges associated with MLFF Tolling System: 

• Technical Errors: ANPR cameras may face difficulties in poor weather, damaged number plates, or unclear registration markings.
• Privacy Concerns: Continuous digital tracking raises concerns regarding data security, vehicle movement surveillance, and personal information protection. 

India has over 1,300 toll plazas on National Highways. MLFF technology could save nearly ₹7,000 crore annually through operational efficiency and reduced delays. The government estimates annual savings of nearly ₹285 crore worth of fuel.

The government views MLFF as part of digital infrastructure modernisation and smart mobility initiatives, ease of doing business reforms and sustainable transport development.  

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