New Delhi DEC 17: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that the AI-powered multi-lane free flow (MLFF) toll system and advanced highway management will be fully implemented nationwide by the end of 2026, promising zero wait times at toll plazas for commuters.
Responding to questions, Gadkari explained that the new AI-driven setup, incorporating satellite-based number plate recognition alongside Fastag, will allow vehicles to pass tolls at speeds up to 80 km/h without stopping, slashing previous delays from 3-10 minutes to under a minute under the current Fastag regime. He highlighted how this upgrade has already boosted revenue by Rs 5,000 crore and will further save Rs 1,500 crore in fuel costs while adding Rs 6,000 crore to government income by curbing toll theft.
The minister emphasized that MLFF will create a seamless, corruption-free experience, reducing travel time and enhancing efficiency exclusively on national highways, clarifying that state and city roads fall outside central purview despite frequent misattributions on social media. Gadkari reiterated the government’s push for transparency, positioning the initiative as a game-changer for road users and fiscal gains.
