Relief from long queues and the hassle of repeated toll payments at toll plazas across the country is on the horizon. The central government is preparing to upgrade the toll plaza system with advanced technology. As part of this initiative, a digital e-pass service may be introduced for residents living near toll plazas, eliminating the need for them to pay the toll tax repeatedly.

The government aims to make toll collection faster, transparent, and fully digital. In line with this, the implementation of a barrier-free toll system is being accelerated. Once the new system is in place, vehicles will no longer need to stop at toll plazas, making travel much smoother.

**Special facility for residents**
The government plans to issue special digital passes for people living within a 20-kilometer radius of toll plazas. These passes will be directly linked to FASTags, allowing residents to pass through toll plazas without interruption. It is expected that both monthly and annual pass options will be made available, with pricing kept affordable for the public. This move could provide significant relief to thousands of commuters who pass through toll plazas daily.

**What is the barrier-free toll system?**
Under the Multi-Lane Free-Flow (MLFF) technology, traditional barriers at toll plazas are unnecessary. Cameras and sensors installed on the road read the vehicle's FASTag and automatically deduct the toll tax. The entire process takes just a few seconds, requiring no stops. If a toll payment fails, the system can automatically issue a notice. The objective of this technology is to reduce traffic congestion and save travel time. Currently, this system is operational at select toll plazas across the country, and preparations are underway to expand it on a larger scale.

**System integration with FASTag**
Under the new arrangement, the digital pass and FASTag will be linked. The eligibility of local residents will be verified digitally. Subsequently, they will be issued a special pass, enabling them to commute easily through toll plazas in the designated sector. The government believes this will ensure better compliance with toll regulations and curb unauthorized exemptions or the misuse of privileges. Additionally, it will make the toll collection system more transparent.

**To be launched in several states**
The government is preparing to introduce the MLFF system at numerous new toll plazas in the near future. Plans are in place to implement this technology across several states, including Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Work on a large number of new projects for this purpose has already commenced.

Experts believe this move will further modernize the country's highway network. It will save commuters' time, reduce traffic congestion, and improve the efficiency of the toll collection process.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.