Booth-less toll fee collection at Tamil Nadu’s Paranur: how does the multi-lane free flow system work?
The advanced contactless and barrierless tolling system eliminates the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas
On September 30, 2026, Tamil Nadu’s Paranur toll plaza became the state’s inaugural booth-less facility to collect toll fees using the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) system. This advanced contactless and barrierless tolling technology eliminates the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas, promoting uninterrupted traffic flow and smoother movement.
MLFF relies on FASTag, radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, and ANPR technology to seamlessly collect electronic tolls, resulting in reduced congestion, operational efficiency, and cost savings. The MLFF system features high-performance RFID readers that detect FASTags affixed to vehicles at high speeds, while ANPR cameras capture license plate data, and radar and LiDAR systems accurately detect and classify vehicles.
The transaction is processed by reading the FASTag and vehicle number plate and deducting the fee from the FASTag. The MLFF system operates effectively in all weather and lighting conditions, round the clock. To ensure smooth transactions, road users must maintain an active FASTag with sufficient balance and clearly visible HSRP license plates.
If a vehicle fails to pay the applicable user fee, an electronic notice (e-notice) is issued, which, if paid within 72 hours, leads to a 50% discount. Failure to pay within the stipulated time results in the suspension of FASTag functionality and potential restrictions on various NHAI services.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
