Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launched India's first multi-lane, free-flow, barrier-less toll plaza on the Surat-Bharuch section of National Highway 48 in Gujarat [1, 2].
This infrastructure shift aims to eliminate the physical barriers that traditionally force vehicles to stop, which frequently cause significant traffic bottlenecks. By removing these obstacles, the government intends to reduce congestion and save both time and fuel for commuters [1, 2].
The system integrates two primary technologies to automate the collection of tolls. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag technology work in tandem to identify vehicles and process payments as they maintain highway speeds [1, 2]. This allows for a seamless transition through the toll zone without the need for manual intervention or idling.
The project is situated on a critical stretch of the NH-48, connecting the industrial hubs of Surat and Bharuch [1, 2]. This region often experiences high traffic volumes, making it a primary candidate for the trial of barrier-free tolling. The implementation of this technology marks a departure from the traditional stop-and-go model used across the national highway network.
Government officials said the goal is to improve the overall efficiency of the national transport corridor. By leveraging digital identification, the system minimizes the risk of human error, and reduces the physical footprint of toll plazas on the roadway [1, 2].
While the project was launched in 2024 [1, 2], it represents a broader strategy to modernize India's road infrastructure. The transition to fully electronic, non-stop tolling is expected to lower carbon emissions by reducing the amount of time vehicles spend idling at barriers [1, 2].
“India's first multi-lane, free-flow, barrier-less toll plaza”
The move toward barrier-less tolling signifies a transition from physical infrastructure to digital enforcement in India's transport sector. By combining ANPR with FASTag, the government is creating a redundant verification system that reduces the likelihood of payment failures while maximizing throughput. If successful on the NH-48, this model likely serves as the blueprint for a nationwide rollout to optimize logistics and reduce the economic cost of traffic congestion.
