AI-based digital toll collection to be implemented across the country by the end of 2026: Gadkari

Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll system and AI-powered highway management will be completed across the country by the end of 2026, and after implementation, these technologies will eliminate waiting time at toll plazas for commuters, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Answering supplementary questions during Question Hour, the Road Transport Minister said that the new technology will be AI-based. Passengers will no longer have to wait at toll plazas and this will help in saving fuel. Add Rs 1,500 crore more Government revenue increased by Rs 6,000.

“Multi-lane free flow toll (MLFF) is a very good facility. Earlier, we had to pay at the toll, and it took 3 to 10 minutes; then, because of Fastag, the time has come down to 60 seconds or less. Our income has increased at least

5,000 crores. After the arrival of MLFF, replacing FASTag, cars can now cross the toll at a maximum speed of 80 kmph, and no one will be stopped at the toll,” he said in the House.

“Our endeavor is to take this to zero minutes and this will include number plate recognition through satellite with AI and FastTag,” he said.

“We will complete this work 100%, and once completed, it will help us save our income.” 1,500 crores, and our income will increase by another 6,000 crore and toll evasion will end. There will be no problem and people will not have to stop at toll plazas,” Gadkari told the members.

He said that the new technology will definitely help people and also reduce travel time.

The minister said, however, that the government is only responsible for national highways and not state highways or city roads. But many times problems on state and city roads come to light on social media and are termed as if they happened on national highways, he said.

“We are trying to make the system transparent and corruption-free,” the minister told the members.