Nitin Gadkari : AI-Powered Digital Toll Collection Set to Transform India’s Highway Travel by 2026
Nitin Gadkari : India is preparing for a major transformation in highway travel with the nationwide implementation of an AI-powered digital toll collection system. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently informed the Rajya Sabha that the Multi-Lane Free Flow toll system, supported by artificial intelligence-based highway management, will be fully operational across the country by the end of 2026. This advanced system aims to eliminate waiting time at toll plazas, making road travel faster, smoother, and more efficient for millions of commuters.
The new digital toll collection mechanism represents a significant upgrade over existing toll technologies. Once implemented, vehicles will be able to pass through toll points without stopping, drastically reducing congestion, fuel consumption, and travel stress. According to the government, this initiative will not only benefit road users but also increase national revenue and improve transparency in toll operations.
Introduction of AI-Based Toll Technology in India
The upcoming toll collection system will rely heavily on artificial intelligence, satellite tracking, and automated vehicle identification. Unlike traditional toll booths or even the current electronic toll methods, this system will function without physical barriers. Vehicles will be identified automatically while moving at normal highway speeds, allowing seamless toll deduction without any interruption.
The minister emphasized that commuters will no longer experience delays that were once common at toll plazas. By removing stopping points, the system will ensure continuous traffic flow, especially on busy national highways. This technological leap is expected to redefine the overall driving experience in India.
Multi-Lane Free Flow System Explained
The Multi-Lane Free Flow model is designed to allow vehicles to pass through toll zones at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. Under this system, toll charges will be calculated automatically based on vehicle identification data captured through advanced cameras and satellite-based tracking systems.
Earlier, manual toll collection could take anywhere between three to ten minutes per vehicle. With the introduction of electronic tolling, this time was reduced to under a minute. Now, with AI-driven toll management, the goal is to reduce waiting time to zero. Vehicles will no longer need to slow down or queue at toll points, ensuring uninterrupted movement.
Why This System Is an Upgrade Over FastTag
While FastTag significantly improved toll collection efficiency, it still requires toll plazas and occasional vehicle slowdown. The new AI-based model goes a step further by eliminating the need for physical toll booths altogether. Number plate recognition technology, combined with satellite monitoring, will identify vehicles and deduct toll charges automatically.
This advancement will help prevent toll evasion and reduce operational inefficiencies. The minister highlighted that toll-related revenue has already increased substantially due to digital systems, and the new model will further strengthen this growth by minimizing leakage and theft.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
One of the most important advantages of the AI-powered toll system is fuel savings. The government estimates that eliminating long queues and stop-and-go traffic at toll plazas will save fuel worth approximately Rs 1,500 crore annually. Reduced fuel consumption will also lower vehicle emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
In addition, the government expects an increase of nearly Rs 6,000 crore in revenue once the system is fully implemented. Automated toll collection will ensure accurate billing, reduce human intervention, and improve overall financial transparency.
Impact on Travel Time and Commuter Experience
Faster travel time is another major benefit of this initiative. Continuous vehicle movement will reduce journey durations, especially on long-distance routes. For daily commuters, transport operators, and logistics companies, this change will result in significant time and cost savings.
The minister also clarified that the central government’s responsibility is limited to national highways. While issues on state highways or city roads often appear on social media, they are not always under central jurisdiction. Nevertheless, the focus remains on making national highways more efficient, transparent, and corruption-free.
Future of Highway Management in India
The AI-based toll collection system is part of a broader vision to modernize India’s road infrastructure. By integrating advanced technology into highway management, the government aims to create a system that is efficient, user-friendly, and globally competitive.
With full implementation targeted by 2026, this initiative marks a major milestone in India’s digital infrastructure journey. It reflects a shift towards smarter transportation solutions that prioritize speed, transparency, and sustainability.