NHAI Free Flow Toll Design for New Highway Projects

NHAI has issued revised design guidance for barrier-less toll collection on new highway projects, according to The Indian Express. Vehicles are intended to pass beneath equipment that identifies them and collects the applicable fee through FASTag.

The Indian Express reported on 30 October that the guidance covers newly built or under-construction national highways and sets the configuration of toll lanes. ETInfra reported that future projects would use multi-lane free flow tolling as part of their design. This is a development in project design, not an announcement that all existing toll plazas have already changed.

In the described system, overhead equipment uses radio-frequency identification readers and automatic number plate recognition cameras to identify vehicles in motion. The Indian Express reported that the guidelines envisage an electronic notice when a vehicle lacks a valid, functional FASTag. The relevant charges and process depend on applicable rules and the circumstances; barrier-less collection does not make travel toll-free.

The report said a four-lane highway would have eight fee-plaza lanes including emergency spare lanes. A backup gantry, advance signs and lighting are also described. The planned lane design should not be mistaken for a promise that every highway user will see the same layout immediately.

The technology already operates at selected locations. An October Press Information Bureau release said the Paranur toll plaza in Tamil Nadu had introduced multi-lane free flow tolling and advised users to maintain a functional FASTag with sufficient balance. It described a phased rollout, not a nationwide completion date.

What to Check

• Before travel, check that the FASTag assigned to your vehicle is active and has sufficient balance with the issuing bank or authorised provider, following the PIB guidance.
• Check official notices and road signs for the actual route. The design guidance for new projects does not prove an existing plaza has converted.
• Review toll transaction alerts and contact the FASTag issuer or toll operator promptly if a charge or notice appears incorrect.

Sources

Click an article title to view the source.

• Barrier-less system to reduce toll lanes in new highways, published on 30 October 2026 in The Indian Express.
• NHAI makes free-flow tolling must for NH projects, published on 2 November 2026 in ETInfra.
• NHAI Rolls out Tamil Nadu's First Barrierless Multi-Lane Free Flow Tolling System, published on 1 October 2026 by the Press Information Bureau. The release is included in the source metadata.

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