Archive · 6 Nov 2025
NHAI to Implement High-Speed Camera Tolling on Chennai Highways
Highways in India are getting a new smart system to collect tolls!
Instead of stopping at booths, special cameras will read your car's license plate using a technology called ANPR.
This system is linked to your FASTag, so the toll money will be taken out automatically as you drive.
The cameras are very fast and can read plates even when cars are going up to 150 kilometers per hour!
This will help make sure you don't have to wait in long lines at toll plazas anymore.
It's like a magic gate that collects tolls without slowing anyone down.
This will make traveling on busy roads like the one between Chennai and Bengaluru much quicker and save fuel.
The cameras and equipment will be installed over the next year, and officials are making sure the roads stay open during this process.
The goal is to make highway travel smoother and faster for everyone.
NHAI is implementing a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) automatic toll collection system on the Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway and GST Road.
The system utilizes ANPR cameras capable of reading license plates at speeds up to 150 kmph, integrated with FASTag.
It will replace traditional toll booths at Nemili, Chennasamudram, and Paranur toll plazas, handling approximately 75,000 vehicles daily.
The MLFF system aims to eliminate traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and save fuel by allowing vehicles to pass without stopping.
IHMCL will oversee the implementation, with installation expected to be completed within 14 months; separate procedures will handle failed automatic deductions.
- Who
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL)
- What
- Introducing a camera-based automatic toll collection system (MLFF) using ANPR and FASTag to eliminate toll plaza congestion.
- When
- Tenders have been floated; installation to be completed within 14 months.
- Where
- Nemili and Chennasamudram toll plazas on Chennai-Bengaluru NH, and Paranur toll plaza on GST Road.
- Why
- To eliminate traffic snarls, reduce travel time and fuel wastage, and improve traffic flow.
Current System
Proposed MLFF System
Vehicle Movement
Current System
Vehicles must stop at toll booths to pay tolls.
Proposed MLFF System
Vehicles can pass through toll points without stopping.
Traffic Flow
Current System
Conventional toll booths cause traffic congestion and long queues.
Proposed MLFF System
The MLFF system aims to eliminate traffic snarls and improve traffic flow.
Technology
Current System
Manual toll collection or basic electronic systems.
Proposed MLFF System
Uses ANPR cameras and RFID readers integrated with FASTag for automatic deduction at high speeds.
- System Name
- Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF)
- Technology Used
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, RFID readers, FASTag integration
- Affected Toll Plazas
- Nemili and Chennasamudram on Chennai-Bengaluru NH; Paranur on GST Road
- Daily Traffic Volume
- Approximately 75,000 passenger car units
- Maximum Capture Speed
- 150 kmph
- Implementation Timeline
- 14 months for installation
- Overseeing Authority
- Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL)
- Contractor Responsibility
- Design, development, and maintenance for five years
