The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued standardised guidelines for the design and infrastructure of toll plazas on four-lane and above National Highways to facilitate the wider adoption of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system across the country. The initiative aims to enable barrier-free toll collection, allowing vehicles to pass through tolling zones without stopping at conventional toll booths.
Announced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways through a Press Information Bureau release dated November 6, 2026, the guidelines seek to eliminate traffic queues and waiting time at toll plazas, reduce fuel consumption and improve road safety while ensuring smoother journeys for National Highway users.
Standardised Design and Infrastructure for Toll Plazas
The new guidelines prescribe uniform requirements for toll plaza layouts, lane configurations, gantries, road infrastructure, lighting, signage and supporting facilities. They establish a common design framework for barrier-less toll plazas across different configurations of National Highways.
The guidelines also specify the number of tolling lanes required, the provision and placement of gantries, and associated road safety features. Since the MLFF system enables vehicles to be tolled without stopping at physical barriers, the number of lanes required at toll plazas has been rationalised compared to conventional toll plazas. This is expected to facilitate more efficient utilisation of available space and improve traffic movement through tolling zones.
Implementation Across Upcoming and Ongoing Projects
The standardised guidelines will apply to all future and under-construction National Highway projects. Projects currently at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage will incorporate the new design requirements into their documents.
For projects that have already been awarded or are under construction, the changes will be adopted through applicable contractual provisions. NHAI field offices have also been directed to incorporate the prescribed requirements into upcoming projects and facilitate their implementation in ongoing projects.
Focus on Road Safety and User Convenience
Alongside infrastructure standardisation, the guidelines place emphasis on improving safety and convenience for highway users. They prescribe adequate lighting, advance information and guidance through appropriate signage and Electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS) at toll plazas.
These provisions are intended to improve visibility, keep road users informed about tolling zones and ensure safer and smoother vehicle movement. The framework also includes provisions for an administrative building-cum-operations and maintenance centre to support the efficient management of toll plaza operations.
Towards a Seamless National Highway Network
Earlier, NHAI had released comprehensive guidelines for planning and designing high-speed access-controlled National Highways, other than Expressways, to bring uniformity to the preparation of DPRs for upcoming high-speed highway corridors.
The introduction of a standardised design and infrastructure framework for MLFF toll plazas marks another step towards modernising India’s National Highway infrastructure. By enabling barrier-free toll collection and improving operational efficiency, the initiative is expected to support a more seamless, safer and efficient highway travel experience across the country.
Also Read: NHAI Issues New Guidelines to Make High-Speed National Highways Safer, Greener and Future-Ready
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