Surat: In a step toward human-less toll plazas, the Choryasi Toll Plaza on the 246-km Bharuch–Surat section of National Highway 48 in Gujarat is set to become the first location in the country to pilot a barrier-free toll collection system, according to a report by BusinessLine.

The report states that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded the toll collection contract for this new system to a major private-sector bank.

As per project details, the Indian Highways Management Company Limited floated a tender for the selection of an acquirer bank to implement FASTag–ANPR-based Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) user fee collection at the Choryasi Toll Plaza on NH-8 in Gujarat. The project follows a point-based tolling system, with an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹50 lakh. The design, development, and implementation period is set at five months, followed by an operation and maintenance (O&M) period of 60 months after successful commissioning of the system.

Notably, only banks are permitted to bid for such projects, following a model similar to fare collection systems (FCS) used in metro networks. The initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion at toll plazas, lower fuel consumption, and improve logistics efficiency along key national highway corridors.

Technologically, the barrier-less or multi-lane free flow (MLFF) system eliminates traditional toll plazas by using tools like RFID scanners and AI-enabled ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras to automate toll deductions.

Sources indicate that a hybrid model is initially being tested at select strategic toll plazas nationwide to evaluate its efficiency, user acceptance, and enforceability. In addition to the Choryasi Toll Plaza, pilot projects have been invited for locations including Gharaunda, Nemli, Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), Dwarka Expressway, and three other toll plazas on the Gurugram–Jaipur stretch of NH-48.

The initiative is part of the central government’s broader push to improve logistics efficiency and enhance commuter convenience. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is also laying the groundwork for a national rollout of the MLFF system.

According to Sanjay Yadav, Project Director, NHAI, Surat Implementation Unit, a Letter of Acceptance has already been issued for the Choriyasi Toll Plaza, and proposals have been sent to equip Boriaz and Bhagwada toll plazas with the same technology. Implementation is targeted by the end of this year. DeshGujarat