Surat: The Choryasi fee plaza at Kamrej on the Surat–Bharuch stretch of NH‑48 began trial operations on 2 February 2026, marking India’s first live test of a Multi‑Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll system. The barrier‑free setup allows vehicles to pass without stopping, provided FASTag and vehicle registration details are correctly linked.
Key Highlights
- Trial start: 2 February 2026
- Who is affected: All vehicles on the Surat–Bharuch stretch of NH‑48
- Immediate action: Verify FASTag balance, KYC and vehicle registration details
- Expansion roadmap: MLFF rollout planned at ~25 additional toll plazas after pilot success
Core News Details — The Facts
- The MLFF system is being implemented by Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) under NHAI oversight, with ICICI Bank acting as the acquiring bank partner.
- The pilot location is Choryasi toll plaza near Kamrej, Surat, on the high‑traffic Surat–Bharuch corridor of NH‑48.
- This is a gantry‑based MLFF system, using overhead structures fitted with cameras and sensors — not satellite‑based GNSS tolling. MLFF is the immediate operational step before any future GNSS rollout.
- Technology includes high‑speed FASTag RFID readers, ANPR cameras, lane status indicators, and overhead gantries for real‑time toll deduction without physical barriers.
- According to NHAI, MLFF aims to reduce congestion, cut travel time, improve fuel efficiency and enhance toll collection transparency.
The Impact / Official Reaction
- Who is affected: All vehicles using the Surat–Bharuch stretch of NH‑48 at Choryasi (Kamrej); logistics operators and commercial fleets gain the most from reduced idling.
- What drivers should do: Ensure FASTag balance is sufficient, KYC is complete, and vehicle registration number matches FASTag records. Keep digital receipts for reference.
- What’s next: NHAI and IHMCL have indicated that successful validation at Choryasi will trigger MLFF rollout at around 25 other identified toll plazas nationwide later in 2026, subject to final notification.
FAQ
A: If FASTag is absent or the RFID read fails, ANPR cameras capture the vehicle number plate. The system cross‑verifies details with the Vahan database and maps the vehicle to the linked FASTag wallet under the One Vehicle, One Tag (OVOT) rule. Mismatched number plates trigger an automatic violation alert, and toll recovery or penalties are applied as per NHAI norms.
A: No. This is a gantry‑based MLFF system using cameras and sensors mounted on overhead structures. GNSS‑based tolling remains a future phase.
A: Yes. MLFF is designed for non‑stop passage, though lane indicators and enforcement checks remain active during the trial phase.
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