Barrier-Free Tolling on Indian Highways by 2029

19 Aug 2025 CW Team

The proposed system will use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology combined with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled FASTags to deduct tolls without requiring vehicles to stop. This technology reads vehicle number plates using high-performance cameras while the RFID handles automatic toll deductions. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also plans to leverage artificial intelligence to make the system smarter and more efficient.

Instead of adopting a satellite-based system, the ministry has opted for a corridor- or stretch-based implementation model. A Request for Proposal (RFP) has already been floated for fee plazas at Gharonda, Choryasi, Nemili, UER-II, and Dwarka Expressway. Expansion to other locations will depend on the results of these pilot projects.

Despite FASTag adoption exceeding 5.54 crore active tags and daily toll revenues crossing ₹193 crore, the PAC highlighted persistent issues such as failed scans, pile-ups, and inconsistent enforcement. The report recommends integrating tolling systems with automated incident detection, improved surveillance, and GPS-enabled emergency response services to enhance safety and response times.

The ministry stated:

“The free-flow tolling system allows vehicles to cross toll plazas without stopping. The ANPR camera can read the vehicle number and the FASTag from a moving vehicle, allowing for toll collection without stopping.”

If toll payment fails due to insufficient FASTag balance, vehicle owners will be issued violation notices with a seven-day deadline. Delays beyond this period may attract double the toll fee.

The vision for 2029 is a seamless, cashless, and efficient highway travel experience, significantly reducing congestion and enhancing commuter convenience across India’s expressway network.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) plans to implement barrier-less tolling on all four-lane and wider expressways across India by 2029, according to a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report submitted to Parliament. The initiative, currently in progress, aims to modernize the country’s toll collection infrastructure.The proposed system will use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology combined with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled FASTags to deduct tolls without requiring vehicles to stop. This technology reads vehicle number plates using high-performance cameras while the RFID handles automatic toll deductions. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also plans to leverage artificial intelligence to make the system smarter and more efficient.Instead of adopting a satellite-based system, the ministry has opted for a corridor- or stretch-based implementation model. A Request for Proposal (RFP) has already been floated for fee plazas at Gharonda, Choryasi, Nemili, UER-II, and Dwarka Expressway. Expansion to other locations will depend on the results of these pilot projects.Despite FASTag adoption exceeding 5.54 crore active tags and daily toll revenues crossing ₹193 crore, the PAC highlighted persistent issues such as failed scans, pile-ups, and inconsistent enforcement. The report recommends integrating tolling systems with automated incident detection, improved surveillance, and GPS-enabled emergency response services to enhance safety and response times.The ministry stated:“The free-flow tolling system allows vehicles to cross toll plazas without stopping. The ANPR camera can read the vehicle number and the FASTag from a moving vehicle, allowing for toll collection without stopping.”If toll payment fails due to insufficient FASTag balance, vehicle owners will be issued violation notices with a seven-day deadline. Delays beyond this period may attract double the toll fee.The vision for 2029 is a seamless, cashless, and efficient highway travel experience, significantly reducing congestion and enhancing commuter convenience across India’s expressway network.

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