The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a barrier-free toll collection system at the Gharaunda toll plaza on the Panipat- Jalandhar stretch of National Highway-44, marking a major step towards faster and technology-driven highway travel.
The new Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling system allows vehicles to pass through tolling points without stopping or slowing down. Using advanced electronic toll collection technology, overhead gantries fitted with high-performance cameras and sensors automatically identify vehicles and deduct toll charges through FASTag, ensuring uninterrupted movement at highway speeds.
The system is expected to reduce traffic congestion, eliminate long queues at toll plazas and save both fuel and travel time. The overhead gantries provide a vertical clearance of about 5.5 to 6 metres, allowing all permitted vehicles to pass safely.
To ensure smooth operations, parking, encroachments and unauthorised stoppages have been prohibited within 200 metres of the tolling zone. Route patrol vehicles and enforcement agencies will monitor violations such as wrong-side driving, number plate tampering and toll evasion.
The authority has also introduced an electronic notice mechanism for unsuccessful toll payments due to insufficient balance, inactive FASTags or other tag-related issues, and has advised commuters to keep their FASTags active and adequately funded.
