NHAI Sets Standard Design for Multi-Lane Free Flow Toll Plazas

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has issued guidelines that fix a common design and infrastructure standard for Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll plazas. The policy circular, made public on 6 November 2026, applies to National Highways with four lanes or more.

What MLFF tolling is

In an MLFF system there is no barrier at the plaza. Vehicles pass under gantries at normal speed and the toll is collected without stopping at a booth. NHAI says the aim is to end queues and waiting time, cut fuel burnt at toll plazas, and make highway trips safer and smoother.

What the guidelines standardise

• Layout of the toll plaza and configuration of lanes.
• The number of tolling lanes.
• Where gantries are provided and how they are placed.
• Road infrastructure, lighting and signage.
• Road safety features and supporting facilities.

Separate layouts are laid down for different National Highway configurations, so the same principles can be applied across the country. Because vehicles no longer stop at physical barriers, an MLFF plaza needs fewer lanes than a conventional toll plaza. That frees space and keeps traffic moving through the tolling zone.

Which projects are covered

The rules apply to all future projects and to those under construction:

• Projects at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage will build the new design into their DPR documents.
• Projects already awarded or under construction will adopt the changes through the provisions of their contracts.
• NHAI field offices must include the requirements in upcoming projects and help ongoing projects take them up.

Safety and user information

The circular stresses good lighting at plazas and advance guidance for drivers through signboards and Electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS), so that road users know they are entering a tolling zone. Each plaza is also to have an administrative building-cum-operations and maintenance centre to run the facility efficiently.

Related step

NHAI had earlier issued comprehensive guidelines for planning and designing High-Speed Access-Controlled National Highways other than Expressways. Those rules aim at uniform standards for DPRs of new high-speed corridors and better road safety. The MLFF circular extends the same push for uniform technical standards to toll collection.