The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has recently launched a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at the Gharaunda toll plaza, located on the Chandigarh-Delhi section of National Highway 44 (NH-44). This new system aims to significantly reduce travel time, fuel consumption, and traffic congestion for commuters.
How the Barrier-Free Tolling System Works
Under the MLFF system, vehicles no longer need to stop at the Gharaunda toll plaza. Instead, advanced Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) technology, utilizing high-performance sensors and cameras mounted on overhead gantries, automatically identifies vehicles. User fees are then deducted seamlessly through FASTag while vehicles maintain highway speeds.
Rakesh Kumar, Chandigarh NHAI Regional Officer, highlighted the shift from traditional toll plazas to technology-driven highway travel. He stated, "For everyday users, the promise is simple—less waiting, smoother driving, and a faster journey on one of the busiest highway corridors in the region. It will save both time and fuel."
Key Benefits for Commuters
- Reduced Travel Time: Eliminating stops at toll booths allows for continuous movement.
- Lower Fuel Consumption: Drivers avoid unnecessary idling, braking, and acceleration, which typically occur near traditional toll points.
- Decreased Congestion: The free-flow system helps maintain steady traffic, especially beneficial for daily commuters and commercial drivers.
What Commuters Need to Know
To ensure a smooth experience with the barrier-free toll collection system, commuters are advised to:
- Maintain a sufficient balance in their FASTag account.
- Ensure their FASTag is active and correctly affixed to the vehicle's windscreen.
- Keep their vehicle's number plate clear and unobstructed.
NHAI has also introduced an e-notice mechanism for instances where toll payments fail due to low FASTag balance, an inactive tag, or other related issues. Vehicle owners can check these e-notices via the NIC portal or the Rajmargyatra mobile application and clear any outstanding dues within the specified timeframe.
Enforcement and Monitoring
To ensure efficient operation and prevent violations, authorities have restricted parking, encroachments, and unauthorized stoppages within 200 meters of the MLFF zone. Route patrol vehicles and enforcement agencies will actively monitor for issues such as toll evasion, number plate tampering, and wrong-side driving, generating e-notices for non-compliance.