The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will commence the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at Bastara (Gharaunda) Toll Plaza on National Highway-44 from Tuesday, June 23, 2026, with full operations starting Wednesday. This makes Bastara the first toll plaza in Haryana and among the first in India to adopt barrier-free toll collection technology, according to an NHAI official.
How the MLFF system works
Under the new system, vehicles will no longer need to stop, slow down, or wait in queues at the toll plaza. Toll charges will be automatically deducted through FASTag-based RFID readers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, allowing vehicles to pass through the tolling zone at normal highway speeds. Boom barriers will be removed entirely.
Authorities said this step will save time and fuel for commuters while reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions. The system eliminates physical barriers and human intervention in toll collection, ensuring a smoother travel experience.
32 high-tech cameras installed
A total of 32 high-tech cameras have been installed at the toll plaza, with dedicated MLFF lanes for traffic moving between Delhi and Chandigarh. These cameras, supported by advanced sensors and ANPR technology, will identify vehicles, read number plates, scan FASTags, and automatically deduct the applicable toll amount.
“This technology will transform the travel experience for thousands of commuters who use NH-44 every day. Vehicles will no longer need to stop at toll booths, resulting in faster movement and substantial fuel savings,” the NHAI official said.
Existing concessions remain valid
All existing concessions, including government exemptions, monthly passes, and annual passes, will remain valid under the new system. Local residents eligible for monthly passes will continue to receive the benefit after completing vehicle registration under the MLFF framework.
Authorities urged commuters to properly affix FASTags on vehicle windshields, maintain adequate balance in their FASTag accounts, and ensure that vehicle number plates are clearly visible and comply with prescribed standards.
Penalty for non-payment
If a vehicle passes through the MLFF corridor without a FASTag or with insufficient balance, the system will identify the vehicle through its number plate and generate an e-notice. Vehicle owners will be given 72 hours to make the payment. Failure to do so within the stipulated period may result in double toll charges.
Emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades, and government-authorised vehicles will continue to receive exemptions using exempted FASTags issued by NHAI. A grievance redressal mechanism has been incorporated, enabling vehicle owners to challenge incorrect e-notices through an online platform.
The project is being closely monitored by NHAI, and after a successful trial, the system will be fully operational from Wednesday.
