New Delhi: Entering Delhi by road is expected to become much smoother as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) prepares to roll out a modern Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system across all 154 border entry points. The new technology-driven initiative is designed to eliminate long queues at toll plazas, improve traffic flow, and reduce vehicle emissions.
Unlike the existing stop-and-pay method, the upcoming system will allow vehicles to continue moving without halting at toll booths. Toll charges will be collected automatically using a combination of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Artificial intelligence-powered monitoring, along with radar, LiDAR, and vehicle detection sensors, will further support seamless toll collection and enforcement.
Under the proposed model, RFID-equipped vehicles will have toll charges deducted automatically as they pass beneath overhead gantries. At the same time, ANPR cameras will verify vehicle registration numbers to ensure accurate toll collection. Vehicles without a valid RFID tag may incur penalties under the applicable provisions of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act and related toll regulations.
The project aims to address persistent congestion at several of Delhi's busiest border crossings, including Ghazipur, Badarpur, Rajokri, and the Sirhaul–Delhi–Gurugram corridor. Heavy commercial traffic at these locations often leads to long waiting times, fuel wastage, and increased air pollution.
Traffic data collected by the civic body between April 2025 and March 2026 highlights the scale of the challenge. During this period, more than 3.18 crore Category-I vehicles, over 90 lakh light commercial vehicles and two-axle trucks, and approximately 18 lakh heavy commercial vehicles entered Delhi through the city's toll checkpoints.
To ensure uninterrupted operations, each entry lane will be equipped with advanced infrastructure, including RFID readers, surveillance cameras, infrared illuminators, radar and LiDAR sensors, and dual overhead gantries to provide system redundancy in the event of equipment failure.
The selected operator will be responsible for installing, operating, and maintaining the upgraded toll infrastructure for 5 years, while managing toll tax and Environmental Compensation Charge (ECC) collections on behalf of the MCD.
Officials believe the barrier-free tolling system will significantly reduce travel time at Delhi's borders, improve logistics efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and contribute to cleaner air by eliminating stop-and-go traffic. The initiative also aligns with India's broader push toward fully automated toll collection and smarter transport infrastructure.
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