Paving way for wider adoption of barrier-less Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system across the country, National Highways Authrity of India (NHAI) has issued guidelines to standardise design and infrastructure of toll plazas on four-lane and above National Highways. The guidelines will ensure that upcoming and ongoing National Highway projects are equipped to support MLFF based barrier-free toll collection without requiring vehicles to stop at toll booths. The initiative is calibrated to eliminating traffic queues and waiting time, reducing fuel consumption at toll plazas, while making National Highway journeys safer and more seamless.
Key Developments & Strategic Framework
The guidelines prescribe uniform requirements for toll plaza layouts, lane configuration, gantries, road infrastructure, lighting, signage and supporting facilities. It also lays down an implementation framework for upcoming and ongoing National Highway projects.
Detailing the operational roadmap, standardized design for different National Highway configurations
The policy circular lays down standardised guidelines for the layout and infrastructure of Barrier-Less Toll Plazas across different configurations of National Highways. These guidelines broadly prescribe the plaza layout, number of tolling lanes, provision and placement of gantries, and associated road safety features, signage and lighting arrangements to ensure uniformity in the design and facilitate seamless implementation of barrier-less tolling across the country.
Contextual Background & Implementation Scope
With vehicles being tolled without the need to stop at physical barriers, the number of lanes required at a toll plaza has been rationalised in comparison to conventional toll plazas, facilitating more efficient utilisation of available space and improving traffic movement through the tolling zone.
In terms of implementation context, implementation on National Highway projects
The guidelines will apply to all future and under construction projects. Projects at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage will incorporate the new design in their documents, while projects already awarded or under construction will adopt the changes through applicable contractual provisions. NHAI field offices have been directed to incorporate the prescribed requirements in upcoming projects and facilitate their adoption in ongoing projects.
Looking Forward: Strategic Roadmap
Administrative bodies and departmental task forces will maintain active oversight across designated implementation cycles, ensuring scheduled deliverables translate into tangible public outcomes.
