Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Infrastructure
Why in News?
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has directed banks issuing FASTags to verify and correct vehicle registration numbers to enable the rollout of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system.
- It is an advanced facility that allows vehicles to pass through toll gates at high speeds, without stopping or slowing at toll plazas.
- It will replace traditional physical toll booths.
- Process - The MLFF or barrier-less tolling system does not have boom barriers.
- Technology – The toll is collected with
- Satellite-based GPS technology,
- High-performance Radio Frequency Identification FASTag readers - Detects tags mounted on windshields,
- Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras - Captures front/back images to recognize license plates (using India-optimized OCR) and
- Laser/Sensor Technology - Performs automatic vehicle classification (AVC).
- Mandatory VRN Linkage - In the absence of human intervention in this process, a mismatch in the VRN linked to the FASTag could see commuters pass without paying the fee.
- Thus, Accurate VRN mapping with FASTag is critical for MLFF tolling.
- So, the NHAI has directed banks to blacklist FASTags found linked to incorrect or invalid VRNs.
- Benefits of MLFF
- Uninterrupted Travel - No slowdowns or physical barriers.
- Reduced Congestion - High-speed travel increases traffic throughput.
- Improved Efficiency - Saves fuel and reduces vehicle emissions due to no idling.
- Enhanced Revenue - Lower risk of leakage and improved compliance.
- Enforcement actions- Before the MLFF system is made fully operational, NHAI and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) are taking a series of steps to prevent misuse, especially concerning the user fee.
- Issuance of electronic notices to vehicles for non-payment of the user fee.
- Operationality - The MoRTH has awarded the tender for 16 toll plazas to implement barrierless tolling.
- The Choryasi fee plaza in Gujarat will be the first barrier-free toll plaza in India.
Reference
The Indian Express | Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system
