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NHAI Operationalises India's First Barrier-Less MLFF Toll Plaza at Choryasi on NH-48; Targets 200 Plazas Annually by 2029

Target:UPSCMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
01 May 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:May 1, 2026March 2029200 plazas annuallyAround 800 publicly funded plazasOver 450 plazas in last 5 years
Bodies:NHAIMoRTHIHMCLICICI Bank
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What This Article Covers

1.NHAI operationalised India's first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system at Choryasi toll plaza on NH-48 in Gujarat.

2.The system uses advanced RFID readers and ANPR cameras to read FASTag and VRN, eliminating the need for vehicles to stop.

3.The rollout is supported by key regulatory decisions like 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' and new National Highway Fee rules for enforcement.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

NHAI has launched India's first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at the Choryasi plaza on NH-48, eliminating boom barriers. This is a major upgrade to the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system and aims to reduce congestion, travel time, and emissions. The government plans to implement MLFF at over 200 toll plazas annually, targeting all four-lane and above highways by March 2029.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

First MLFF Plaza LocationChoryasi toll plaza, NH-48, Gujarat
Operationalisation DateMay 1, 2026
System DeveloperICICI Bank
Target for MLFF ImplementationAll four-lane & above highways by March 2029
Total Publicly Funded Toll PlazasAround 800

1-Minute Revision

  • ›First MLFF Plaza Location: Choryasi toll plaza, NH-48, Gujarat
  • ›Operationalisation Date: May 1, 2026
  • ›Target this Data: 'Choryasi toll plaza on NH-48' and target year 'March 2029' for full MLFF rollout.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: 'National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)' and its implementation agency 'Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL)'.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: New 'National Highway Fee rules' for enforcement of unpaid tolls, including the 'double toll' penalty.

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which government agency is the nodal authority for the development and management of National Highways in India?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system:

1. It eliminates the need for boom barriers and allows vehicles to pass without stopping.

2. The system at Choryasi was developed by the State Bank of India under a capital expenditure (CapEx) model.

3. A key enabling decision for MLFF was the mandating of 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' policy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the Economic Survey 2025-26 cited in the article, by when is the MLFF system projected to be implemented across all four-lane and above national highways and expressways?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is a primary expected benefit of implementing the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system, as per the article?

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