Barrier-free toll system targeted by March 2027
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13:59
India is moving towards a fully digital and barrier-free toll collection system, expected to be operational across the country by February-March 2027, Hindustan Times and The Hindu BusinessLine reported. The outlets reported that the new barrier-free tolling system will be rolled out by March. Hindustan Times and The Hindu BusinessLine reported that the system will rely on the Multi-Lane Free Flow model, which allows vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping at barriers.
The two outlets reported that the rollout is planned in phases, with the system expected to be functional across the country by the February-March 2027 target date. Hindustan Times and The Hindu BusinessLine also reported on the financial benefits already generated by the existing Fastag-enabled tolling system. According to the two outlets, the economic value of the time saved by Fastag-enabled tolling is roughly ₹68,500 crore a year.
The outlets did not report further figures on the cost or scale of the upcoming barrier-free system beyond the timeline for its rollout. Hindustan Times and The Hindu BusinessLine reported that the shift from the current Fastag-based system to the barrier-free model is aimed at removing the need for vehicles to stop at toll points altogether. The two outlets reported that the barrier-free system builds on the existing Fastag network, which has already produced the estimated ₹68,500 crore in annual time-saving value cited by the outlets.
Hindustan Times and The Hindu BusinessLine reported that the full transition to the Multi-Lane Free Flow model is intended to be completed nationwide within the stated March 2027 timeframe.
Reported in coverage, but we could not match these to a source document. They are not part of the story above.
- The operating cost of toll plazas is between 12% and 15%.
- The barrier-free tolling model will help save ₹6,000 crore to ₹7,000 crore annually.
- The government aims to eliminate stoppages, which would help reduce fuel consumption and the operational costs associated with toll plazas.