On Wednesday at 1:15 pm, the Mundka toll plaza in Delhi on the newly opened greenfield Urban Extension Road-II presented a surprising sight. The boom barriers across all 16 toll lanes were raised, leaving drivers momentarily confused. Expecting the barriers to lower for FASTag-based toll deduction, vehicles slowed down. Instead, toll attendants waved them through without any stop. Within minutes, not a single vehicle remained waiting at any lane.
Most commuters initially believed they had enjoyed a free drive across the toll plaza. However, they soon received messages on their phones indicating that the toll had been deducted from their FASTag wallet. This seamless experience marks a significant shift in India's tolling system, moving towards a barrier-free, non-stop model that enhances traffic flow and reduces waiting times.
The new system relies on advanced FASTag technology, which uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) to automatically deduct tolls as vehicles pass through. By eliminating the need for physical barriers, the system aims to reduce congestion, save fuel, and improve the overall commuting experience. The Mundka plaza serves as a pilot for this innovative approach, which could be expanded to other toll plazas across the country.
Drivers expressed relief and appreciation for the smoother journey, with many noting that the absence of stops made their travel faster and less stressful. The success of this pilot could pave the way for a nationwide adoption of barrier-free tolling, revolutionizing highway travel in India.
