Surat: To ensure vehicles no longer have to stop at toll plazas, the Central government is introducing a multi-lane free flow toll system at the Choryasi toll plaza in Kamrej, Surat. The new system will allow motorists to pay tolls without halting, making it the first unmanned toll plaza model of its kind in the country.

As per the reports, the lane-free toll collection system, being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is expected to become operational by the end of February. The Centre has also decided to gradually abolish the traditional toll booth method across national highways and replace it with an electronic, barrier-free system that will eliminate congestion and traffic queues at toll points.

Under the new technology, vehicles will pass through the toll lane at normal speed. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will scan vehicle registration plates, and the toll amount will be deducted automatically within seconds through the FASTag-based payment system. The entire process will remain unmanned, removing the need for vehicles to stop.

Highway Authority officials said that India’s first multi-lane free flow toll road project at Choriyasi in Kamrej is nearing completion. “Most of the work has been completed, and the system is likely to be launched by the end of February,” they said.

How the multi-lane free flow system works

A dedicated control room has been established near the Choryasi toll plaza to monitor operations. The system has been developed at an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore, with large arches installed across lanes.

• High-speed scanners have been mounted on these arches

• Around 30 advanced cameras have been installed, with two cameras per lane

• Monitoring will be carried out using lidar, radar and antenna-based technology

• A Taiwanese company is providing technical support for the project

The new toll model is expected to save both time and fuel for commuters. DeshGujarat