The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched Tamil Nadu’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at Paranur Toll Plaza on the Tambaram-Tindivanam section of National Highway 179B. This barrierless system allows vehicles to pass through toll locations without stopping, using advanced technology to collect tolls automatically.
Key facts
- Location: Paranur Toll Plaza on NH-179B (Tambaram-Tindivanam section), Tamil Nadu
- Technology: Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag-based Electronic Toll Collection
- System type: Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrierless tolling
- Other MLFF locations already operational: Chorayasi (Surat-Bharuch, NH-48, Gujarat); Mundka-Bakkarwala (Delhi-NCR); Shahjahanpur, Daulatpura and Manoharpura (Delhi-Jaipur, NH-48, Rajasthan); Gharaunda (Panipat-Jalandhar, NH-44, Haryana)
How the barrierless system works
Unlike traditional toll plazas where vehicles must stop at physical barriers for payment verification, the MLFF system eliminates this requirement entirely. Vehicles can continue moving at normal speed through the toll zone while cameras with Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology capture vehicle registration details. The system simultaneously checks FASTag balances and deducts tolls electronically.
FASTag is an electronic tag that uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and is linked to a prepaid account. When a vehicle equipped with an active FASTag passes through, the toll is deducted automatically from the account balance.
Benefits for highway users
The removal of toll plazas barriers delivers multiple advantages. Drivers no longer need to stop, reducing congestion and travel time significantly. Since vehicles do not idle or accelerate repeatedly at toll points, fuel consumption decreases and vehicle emissions lower. The seamless passage improves the overall experience of commuting on national highways, aligning with the government’s objective of enhancing “Ease of Travel” for citizens.
Operational improvements
Beyond user benefits, the MLFF system reduces the need for human staff to manually collect tolls and verify payments. This lowers operational costs for NHAI as physical toll collection infrastructure becomes less necessary. The system enhances transparency in toll operations by creating a complete digital record of all transactions, reducing opportunities for leakage or malpractice. Overall efficiency in toll collection improves across the national highway network.
Requirements for smooth operation
For the system to function properly, National Highway users must maintain an active FASTag with sufficient balance. If an account runs low or lapses, the system generates an Electronic Notice (E-Notice) that alerts the vehicle owner. To avoid receiving notices or facing disruption, drivers should ensure their FASTag remains functional and adequately funded at all times.
Rollout across India
NHAI is implementing MLFF tolling systems across various national highways in phases. Beyond Paranur in Tamil Nadu, similar systems are already operational at five other locations: Chorayasi on the Surat-Bharuch section in Gujarat; Mundka-Bakkarwala on the Delhi-NCR Urban Extension Road; three plazas on the Delhi-Jaipur route in Rajasthan; and Gharaunda on the Panipat-Jalandhar section in Haryana. This phased expansion signals a nationwide shift towards modernising toll collection infrastructure.
What this means for you
If you regularly use national highways, particularly in Tamil Nadu or other regions where MLFF systems are operational, you will experience faster, uninterrupted passage through toll plazas. You will save fuel and time during journeys. However, you must ensure you have a valid FASTag with adequate balance before traveling, as the system relies entirely on electronic payment. Without a functional tag or sufficient funds, you may receive e-notices or face penalties.
For commercial vehicles and frequent highway users, the reduced journey time translates to lower operational costs and improved productivity. The system also contributes to reduced air pollution on national highways by minimising vehicle idling.