India’s First Barrier-Free Toll Plaza Goes Live Near Surat, Paving Way for Seamless Highway Travel

Surat, May 2026 : In a major step towards modernising India’s highway infrastructure, the country’s first barrier-free toll plaza has become operational on the Mumbai-Delhi National Highway (NH-48) near Surat. The move marks a significant shift to fully automated toll collection, allowing vehicles to pass through without stopping.

The Choryasi toll plaza, located on the Kamrej–Choryasi stretch between Surat and Bharuch, was opened to the public after nearly two months of successful trials that began on February 2. Unlike conventional toll booths, this facility eliminates physical barriers, ensuring uninterrupted vehicular movement and reducing travel delays.

Developed using Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology, the system has been implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) as part of the broader initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to upgrade tolling systems across the country. The government plans to convert over 1,050 toll plazas into AI-enabled, barrier-free systems by the end of 2026.

Under the new system, toll charges are deducted automatically through a combination of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology and FASTag integration. High-resolution cameras installed on overhead gantries capture vehicle number plates, while RFID sensors read FASTag details, enabling direct deduction from linked bank accounts without any need for manual intervention.

According to NHAI Chief Operating Officer A.R. Chitransi, the new arrangement ensures a completely seamless experience for commuters. Vehicles simply pass under the gantry, and the toll is deducted instantly, removing the need to stop or slow down significantly.

Officials said the contactless system is designed to tackle long-standing issues such as congestion, long queues, and fuel wastage at toll plazas. With vehicles able to pass at speeds of up to 80 kmph, the initiative is expected to significantly ease traffic flow on one of India’s busiest highway corridors.

For vehicles without an active FASTag, the system uses number plate recognition to identify the owner and sends an electronic notice for toll payment. This ensures compliance while maintaining the efficiency of the automated process.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has earlier stated that India aims to achieve complete barrier-free toll collection nationwide by the end of 2026. The Surat installation is being seen as a pilot project that will guide the rollout of similar systems across the country.

Authorities estimate that widespread adoption of this technology could result in substantial economic and environmental benefits. It is projected to save nearly Rs 1,500 crore annually in fuel costs due to reduced idling time at toll points, while also boosting revenue by approximately Rs 6,000 crore through improved efficiency and compliance.

The launch of this barrier-free toll plaza signals a transformative shift in India’s road infrastructure, promising faster, smoother, and more efficient travel for millions of commuters.