Barrier-less Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling rolled out at Mundka–Bakkarwala, UER-II

📌 Summary:

• Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari rolled out India's first-of-its-kind barrier-less toll plaza at Mundka–Bakkarwala on Urban Extension Road (UER-II), NCR on May 11, 2026.

• Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system uses ANPR cameras + GNSS-based vehicle tracking to charge tolls automatically — vehicles do not need to stop at toll booths.

• Toll-collection operational cost will fall from ~15% to ~3-4% under MLFF — projected annual savings of ₹5,000–6,000 crore.

• Environmental impact: estimated savings of ~250 crore litres of fuel annually and reduction of ~81,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

• Will significantly reduce waiting time, fuel wastage, congestion at toll plazas across the National Highway network.

• Part of India's push toward technology-driven, world-class highway infrastructure aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.

• Builds on FASTag rollout; MLFF is the next-generation barrier-less toll architecture being scaled nationally.

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — Infrastructure, transport sector reforms, technology-driven governance, environmental co-benefits (emissions reduction).

📝 Prelims Facts:

• MLFF — Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling system

• First barrier-less plaza: Mundka–Bakkarwala on UER-II (Urban Extension Road-II), NCR

• Operating cost reduction: 15% → 3-4%

• Annual fuel saving estimate: 250 crore litres; CO₂ reduction: 81,000 tonnes

• Implementing agency: NHAI under MoRTH

🔑 Key Term: MLFF (Multi-Lane Free Flow) — A barrier-less tolling system that uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and satellite-based positioning to charge tolls without requiring vehicles to slow down or stop.