NHAI Toll Plaza Rules: Fewer Lanes, Gantries for Free-Flow Tolling

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on 6 November issued guidelines that fix a common design for toll plazas on four-lane and wider National Highways, so that vehicles can be charged without stopping at a booth. The Press Information Bureau release says the aim of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system is to end queues at plazas, cut fuel burnt while waiting and make highway journeys safer.

Fewer Lanes, More Gantries and Signs

The guidelines lay down uniform rules for plaza layout, lane configuration, gantries, lighting, signage and supporting facilities. The number of tolling lanes is lower than at a conventional plaza. Drivers will see advance signs and Electronic Variable Message Signs warning them that they are entering a tolling zone, and plazas will have an administrative building that also serves as an operations and maintenance centre.

The release does not give lane counts, design speeds or penalties.

Which Highways Are Affected

The rules apply to all future and under-construction projects. Projects still at the Detailed Project Report stage must build the new design into their documents, while projects already awarded or being built will adopt it through the contract provisions that apply. NHAI field offices have been told to follow the requirements.

Gujarat Plaza Was the First

India’s first barrier-free toll plaza opened in May on NH48 at Choryasi, between Surat and Bharuch in Gujarat, according to IANS. Cameras read number plates and sensors read FASTag details, and vehicles can pass at up to 80 km/h. Owners without an active FASTag get an electronic notice to pay. For another recent change in toll rules, see IPB’s report on the annual toll pass for residents near plazas.

NHAI has not announced a date for converting existing plazas.

Source: PIB release on NHAI guidelines for multi-lane free flow tolling, 6 November 2026. Also based on reporting by Telangana Today (IANS).

Image: Telangana Today / IANS.