New Delhi, India: New Delhi has entered a new era of smart transportation infrastructure with the launch of the Delhi NCR region’s first barrier-less toll plaza at the Mundaka section of Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II). The project introduces an advanced Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system designed to make highway travel faster, smoother, and more environmentally friendly.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Ministers Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra along with senior government officials, highlighting the importance of the project in India’s ongoing highway modernization program.
First Barrier-Less Toll Plaza in Delhi NCR
The newly operational MLFF tolling system eliminates traditional toll barriers, allowing vehicles to move through toll collection points without stopping. Unlike conventional toll plazas that require vehicles to slow down or halt, the new system automatically identifies and charges vehicles while they remain in motion.
The technology combines:
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras
- FASTag-based electronic toll collection
- Automated digital payment processing
- Minimal manual intervention
Officials said the system is expected to significantly reduce congestion at one of the busiest transport corridors in the National Capital Region.
Seamless and Contactless Travel Experience
Under the MLFF framework, toll charges are deducted automatically using FASTag accounts linked to vehicles. High-resolution ANPR cameras simultaneously capture vehicle registration details to ensure seamless enforcement and verification.
The barrier-free design enables:
- Non-stop vehicle movement
- Faster commuting times
- Reduced waiting lines
- Lower fuel consumption
- Contactless toll collection
For daily commuters and commercial transport operators, the system is expected to improve travel reliability and reduce delays that commonly occur at traditional toll booths.
Reducing Traffic and Pollution
Transportation experts say toll plazas have historically been major traffic bottlenecks across India, often leading to long queues, increased fuel wastage, and higher vehicular emissions.
With the implementation of MLFF technology on UER-II:
- Traffic congestion is expected to decline substantially
- Average travel times could improve significantly
- Carbon emissions from idling vehicles may reduce
- Fuel efficiency is likely to improve for commuters
The project aligns with India’s broader push toward sustainable and environmentally conscious transportation infrastructure.
Supporting India’s Smart Highway Vision
The launch of the MLFF tolling system reflects the Indian government’s continued focus on technology-driven infrastructure development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Officials described the initiative as part of a long-term strategy to modernize national highways through digital integration, intelligent traffic systems, and user-friendly mobility solutions.
The government has increasingly promoted FASTag adoption, electronic tolling, and smart traffic management systems as part of its efforts to create world-class road infrastructure capable of supporting India’s rapidly growing economy.
A Model for Future Highway Projects
Infrastructure analysts believe the Mundaka MLFF toll plaza could serve as a model for future highway projects across India. If successful, similar barrier-less toll systems may eventually replace traditional toll booths on major expressways and urban corridors nationwide.
As India continues investing heavily in road and transport infrastructure, projects such as the MLFF tolling system demonstrate how digital innovation is transforming everyday travel while improving efficiency, sustainability, and commuter convenience.
