Archive · 25 Sep 2026
India Plans Stop-Free Electronic Tolling on High-Speed National Highways
India is making new rules for some future high-speed National Highways.
Cars may be able to pass toll points without stopping.
Cameras and electronic systems would collect the toll while vehicles keep moving.
The rules apply to certain four- and six-lane highways, but not expressways.
Planners will study current traffic and predict how much traffic may use each road later.
Machines and digital systems will help workers build the roads more accurately.
Trees, landscaping and water-saving irrigation will be planned from the beginning.
Better drains and water-harvesting structures will help prevent flooding and road damage.
NHAI guidelines require planning for Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling on upcoming high-speed National Highways.
The rules cover four- and six-lane Greenfield and Brownfield access-controlled highways, but not expressways.
Traffic forecasts must include existing vehicles, diverted traffic and future freight growth using toll and other data.
Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction technology will support highway embankment and pavement construction.
Plantation, drip irrigation, drainage and water-harvesting measures must be incorporated during project planning.
- Who
- The National Highways Authority of India issued the new guidelines.
- What
- The guidelines set planning and construction requirements for upcoming high-speed National Highways, including electronic tolling without stopping.
- When
- The guidelines apply to upcoming highway projects; no specific implementation date is stated.
- Where
- Across India, on upcoming four- and six-lane Greenfield and Brownfield high-speed access-controlled National Highways.
- Why
- To make future corridors safer, more sustainable, better planned and able to handle future traffic.
- Tolling system
- Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling will allow electronic toll collection while vehicles continue moving.
- Covered roads
- Upcoming four- and six-lane Greenfield and Brownfield high-speed access-controlled National Highways.
- Excluded roads
- Expressways are not covered by the guidelines.
- Traffic planning
- Forecasts must consider existing traffic, diverted traffic and future freight movement.
- Construction technology
- Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction technology will be used for embankments and pavements.
- Green measures
- Plantation, landscaping and drip irrigation on National Highway medians will be planned.
- Water management
- Drainage plans, water-harvesting structures and designated water-disposal points will address runoff and waterlogging.