Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 19: The persistent issues of long queues and the hassle of repeated toll payments across the country are set to be resolved soon. The central government is gearing up to further streamline the toll plaza system by introducing a digital e-pass service for residents living in the vicinity of toll plazas, eliminating the burden of repetitive toll payments.
The government's primary objective is to make toll collection faster, more transparent, and entirely digital. In line with this, the barrier-free toll system is being rapidly expanded. Once the new system is fully implemented, vehicles will no longer need to stop at toll plazas, making highway travel smoother than ever before.
Digital passes for locals
The government is planning to issue special digital passes to residents living within a 20-kilometre radius of toll plazas. This pass will be directly linked to their FASTag, allowing local residents to cross toll plazas seamlessly without any interruptions. It is expected that both monthly and annual passes will be made available. Authorities are also considering keeping the price of the pass affordable, offering major relief to thousands of people who commute through these tolls daily.
Multi-lane free flow technology
The implementation of Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology will eliminate the need for traditional physical barriers at toll plazas. Cameras and sensors installed on the roads will read the vehicle's FASTag and automatically deduct the toll tax. The entire process will be completed in seconds, removing the necessity to halt the vehicle.
If the toll fee is not paid, the system is equipped to automatically issue a notice to the vehicle owner. This technology aims to drastically reduce traffic congestion and save travel time. Currently, this system is installed at select toll plazas across the country, with plans underway for a large-scale expansion.
Seamless integration and transparency
The new system will securely link digital passes with FASTag. The eligibility verification for local residents will be conducted digitally. Following successful verification, a special pass will be issued, enabling them to navigate through toll plazas in designated zones effortlessly.
The government believes this initiative will improve compliance with toll regulations and prevent unauthorized discounts or unfair privileges, making the entire toll collection system highly transparent.
Upcoming rollout in major states
The government is preparing to introduce the MLFF system at several new toll plazas shortly. States including Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are slated to implement this technology. Work on a large number of new projects has already commenced.
Experts opine that this move will further modernize the country's highway network, saving significant time for commuters, minimizing traffic bottlenecks, and streamlining the overall toll collection process.