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In August 2025, the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), promoted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), signed an agreement with ICICI Bank to implement India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system. The pilot will be rolled out at Choryasi Fee Plaza on NH-48 in Gujarat, making it the country’s first barrier-free toll plaza, with further expansion planned across multiple locations.

What is MLFF?

• Definition: A barrier-less electronic tolling system.
• Technology Used:
  • FASTag-based RFID readers.
  • Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras for vehicle registration verification.
• Function: Enables seamless toll deduction without vehicles halting at toll plazas.

Significance of MLFF

• Seamless travel – Eliminates queues and stoppages at toll booths.
• Reduced congestion & time-saving – Improves traffic flow on busy highways.
• Fuel efficiency & lower emissions – Supports environmental sustainability.
• Improved toll revenue collection – Reduces leakages and ensures transparency.
• Technology-driven infrastructure – Supports creation of a smart, efficient, and user-friendly National Highway network.

About NHAI

• Statutory Body: Established under the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988; operational since 1995.
• Mandate: Development, maintenance, and management of India’s National Highways.
• Administrative control: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
• Composition:
  • 1 Full-time Chairman.
  • Up to 5 Full-time Members.
  • 4 Part-time Members (Secretaries of Road Transport & Highways, Expenditure, Planning, and DG of Road Development).