NHAI launches multi-lane free flow tolling system at Daulatpura

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched Rajasthan’s first multi-lane free flow (MLFF)-based tolling system at Daulatpura toll plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur section of NH-48 in Rajasthan. 

• Following the launch at Daulatpur, NHAI is also planning to transit toll plazas at Shahjahanpur and Manoharpur to MLFF system, making commuting on the busy Delhi-Jaipur section seamless and barrier-free.

• Earlier, NHAI launched MLFF-based tolling system at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat-Bharuch section of NH-48 in Gujarat and at the Mundka-Bakkarwala Toll Plaza on the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) in Delhi.

What is MLFF-based tolling system?

• The MLFF framework introduces barrier-less tolling with minimal human intervention, enabling vehicles to pass through toll locations without stopping and ensuring seamless traffic flow. 

• The system integrates automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology with FASTag-based electronic toll collection to facilitate automated user fee collection with minimal human intervention.

• By enabling zero waiting time and uninterrupted vehicular movement, MLFF has helped commuters to save time, enhance fuel efficiency as well as reduce vehicular emission at the toll location.

• For a seamless MLFF experience, National Highway users are required to maintain sufficient balance in their FASTag accounts.

• In case of scenarios such as insufficient FASTag balance, invalid or non-functional FASTag, users are issued an electronic notice (e-Notice) for non-payment of user fee.

• Such users are required to pay normal user fee within 72 hours of the e-notice.

• In case of non-compliance after 72 hours, the user fee will be charged at twice the normal rate of the vehicle category. 

• Non-payment of e-notices may result in blacklisting of FASTag and restriction of other vehicle-related services through the VAHAN platform.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)