Centre to Roll Out Barrier-Free Toll Collection with FASTag and AI

The Central government has announced plans to introduce a barrier-free toll collection system on national highways using FASTag, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based analytics. The new Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system will allow vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping, with toll charges collected electronically.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the proposed GPS-based tolling system has been put on hold for further review after expert committees raised concerns related to security, privacy, data breaches, and operational control. Meanwhile, contracts have already been awarded for implementing the new barrier-free technology at 17 toll plazas, with five locations already operational.

The government has also invited bids to expand the system to another 104 toll plazas across the country. Officials said FASTag continues to see strong adoption, with over 77 lakh annual passes issued by June 2026 and more than 98% of toll collections on national highways now processed electronically through the FASTag system.

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