The initiative is aimed at improving connectivity across Delhi while making travel smoother for nearby villages and surrounding residential areas. By eliminating traditional toll barriers, the system is expected to significantly reduce congestion and waiting times on one of the capital’s key transport corridors.
The rollout in Delhi follows the government’s earlier launch of India’s first MLFF tolling system at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat–Bharuch stretch of NH-48 in Gujarat. The expansion reflects the Centre’s broader push toward modern, stop-free highway infrastructure powered by digital technologies.
What is the MLFF System?
The Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system is a next-generation toll collection mechanism designed to enable uninterrupted vehicle movement through toll plazas without requiring vehicles to stop.
The system relies on technologies such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag-enabled electronic toll collection. Cameras installed at toll points automatically identify vehicles and deduct toll charges digitally, ensuring seamless and contactless payments with minimal human intervention.
By removing physical barriers, the MLFF model is expected to:
Reduce traffic congestion at toll plazas
Shorten travel time on highways
Improve fuel efficiency
Lower vehicular emissions
Enhance commuter convenience
Increase operational efficiency in toll management
According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), highway users must maintain adequate balance in their FASTag accounts for uninterrupted travel. If a FASTag has insufficient balance, becomes invalid, or malfunctions, the user will receive an Electronic Notice (E-Notice) for non-payment of toll charges. The pending amount must be cleared within 72 hours of the notice being issued.
A Push Towards Smarter Transport Infrastructure
Speaking during the Gujarat launch earlier, Gadkari stated that barrier-less tolling would improve both “Ease of Living” and “Ease of Doing Business” by enabling faster and more efficient transport movement across the country.
The introduction of MLFF on Delhi’s UER-II is also expected to support smoother urban traffic movement while strengthening connectivity between the capital and adjoining localities.
The development comes amid broader changes in India’s transportation sector. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently indicated that India’s upcoming high-speed rail network could significantly reshape competition on heavily used short-haul travel routes, potentially impacting the aviation sector as faster rail connectivity expands.
Beyond commuter convenience, the MLFF initiative is also expected to improve transparency in toll operations while reducing the operational costs associated with traditional toll plazas. Authorities view the system as a major step toward building a more efficient, cost-effective, and technologically advanced National Highway network across India.
