Chennai: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to revolutionize travel on the Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway and GST Road with a camera-based automatic toll collection system. This major infrastructure upgrade promises to eliminate traffic snarls at toll plazas, ensuring faster, seamless journeys for commuters while boosting efficiency across these vital highway corridors.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will replace traditional toll booths with ANPR cameras on key highways. Consequently, vehicles can pass through tolls without stopping. This system integrates with FASTag, ensuring faster and smoother travel for all commuters.
Known as Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), the system captures vehicle registration at speeds up to 150 kmph. Therefore, it promises congestion-free journeys even during peak hours. Additionally, it reduces travel delays and fuel consumption across busy corridors.
The first rollout will cover Nemili and Chennasamudram toll plazas on Chennai-Bengaluru NH. Similarly, Paranur toll plaza on the Tambaram-Villupuram stretch of GST Road will adopt the system. Together, these highways handle around 75,000 passenger cars daily, according to NHAI.
Once activated, ANPR cameras will record vehicle details automatically. Moreover, toll charges will be deducted from the driver’s FASTag account seamlessly. This move minimizes human intervention and accelerates highway operations significantly.
The Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) will oversee the project. Furthermore, tenders are open to select operators for designing, developing, and maintaining the system for five years. The project involves careful planning and precise execution.
Officials confirmed that the six-lane main carriageway will remain open during installation. Overhead ANPR cameras and RFID readers will capture vehicles efficiently. Additionally, equipment will undergo multiple verification steps before activation to ensure accuracy.
Each camera can capture number plates from 40 metres, while RFID devices identify vehicles from 300 metres. Contractors must complete installation within 14 months. Meanwhile, procedures will guide toll recovery if automatic deductions fail.
Ultimately, the MLFF system will end long toll queues, introducing fast and frictionless travel. Consequently, commuters will enjoy smoother intercity journeys. This upgrade signals a new era of smart highways in India.