NHAI Announces Barrier‑Free Toll Plazas Across All National Highways by 2027
NHAI will remove physical barriers at all toll plazas within a year, introducing a multi‑lane free‑flow system that reads FASTag without stopping vehicles.
All toll plazas on India’s National Highways will become barrier‑free within the next 12 months. Vehicles will pass at 60‑80 km/h using a new multi‑lane free‑flow system.
NHAI, toll plaza, barrier free, FASTag, multi‑lane free flow, National Highways, Gurugram, Delhi NCR, transportation reform, traffic management
Travelers on India’s National Highways have a major improvement ahead. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced that within the next year every toll plaza will be converted to a “barrier‑free” (or “barrier‑less”) operation.
The agency is developing a Multi‑Lane Free Flow System that will allow vehicles to cross toll points without stopping, maintaining speeds of 60 to 80 km/h. High‑tech cameras and sensors mounted above the lanes will automatically read each vehicle’s FASTag, eliminating the need for a physical barrier or a stop‑line.
Key Features of the New System
- No Physical Barriers: The traditional “Naka” (barrier pole) will be removed from toll plazas.
- FASTag Reading on the Move: Cameras and sensors will capture FASTag details as vehicles pass, requiring no halt.
- Balance‑less Passage: Even if a FASTag has insufficient balance, the vehicle will not be stopped at the toll.
- 72‑Hour Grace Period: An e‑notice will be sent to the vehicle owner after crossing; the toll amount must be paid within 72 hours.
- Double Penalty for Late Payment: Failure to pay within the grace period will double the toll amount.
- FASTag Ban on Non‑Payment: Persistent non‑payment will lead to a temporary ban of the FASTag until dues are cleared.
Pilot Projects and Upcoming Upgrades
The first beneficiaries are expected to be commuters in the NCR region. Following successful trials in Delhi and Gujarat, the following toll plazas are slated for upgrade:
- Ghammadog Toll – Gurugram‑Sohna Highway
- Hilalpur Toll – Delhi‑Mumbai Expressway
- Bijwasan Toll – Dwarka Expressway
- Khedki Dola Toll – Planned shift to Pachgaon to become barrier‑free
Benefits for the Common Motorist
Road Transport and Highways Minister Harsh Malkotia stated that the initiative will bring several advantages:
- Fuel and Time Savings: Eliminating stop‑and‑go at tolls will conserve millions of litres of fuel and precious commuter time.
- Reduced Pollution: Less idling at tolls will lower emissions from stationary engines.
- Eased Traffic Congestion: Long queues that usually form during festivals and weekends will be greatly reduced.
According to the minister, “NHAI aims to make all 1,200 toll plazas barrier‑free. Tender processes have already begun for 150 plazas.”
The rollout is expected to begin in the next few months, with full implementation targeted for completion by mid‑2027, providing a smoother, faster travel experience across India’s highway network.
===END===
