New Delhi, 06 November (H.S.): The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued guidelines to standardise the design and infrastructure of toll plazas for the implementation of a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF)-based barrier-free toll collection system on four-lane and wider National Highways across the country. Under the initiative, new and ongoing National Highway projects will be equipped with infrastructure compatible with the system, enabling motorists to pay toll charges without having to stop at toll booths.

According to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the primary objective of the system is to eliminate vehicle queues and waiting times at toll plazas, reduce fuel consumption and make travel on National Highways safer and more convenient. The guidelines prescribe uniform standards for toll plaza layouts, the number and configuration of lanes, gantries, road infrastructure, lighting arrangements, signage and other essential facilities.

NHAI has established standardised design and infrastructure specifications for barrier-free toll plazas, taking into account the varying configurations of National Highways. These specifications cover toll plaza layouts, the number of toll collection lanes, the positioning of gantries and road safety measures. Since tolls will be collected without requiring vehicles to stop at physical barriers, the number of lanes required has also been rationalised compared with conventional toll plazas. This will facilitate more efficient utilisation of available space and ensure smoother traffic movement.

The guidelines will apply to all new and ongoing National Highway projects. Projects currently at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation stage will incorporate the revised designs. For projects that have already been awarded or are under construction, the changes will be introduced through the applicable contractual provisions. NHAI’s regional offices have been directed to incorporate the prescribed standards into new projects and ensure their implementation in ongoing projects.

The guidelines also emphasise adequate lighting at toll plazas, advance information signage for highway users and the installation of Electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS). These measures are intended to improve visibility in toll zones, provide motorists with essential information and ensure the safe movement of vehicles. In addition, the provisions include the construction of an administrative building-cum-operations and maintenance centre to facilitate the effective management and upkeep of toll plaza facilities.

It may be recalled that NHAI had earlier issued comprehensive guidelines for the planning and design of high-speed, access-controlled National Highways, excluding expressways. The objective was to ensure uniformity in technical standards while preparing Detailed Project Reports for upcoming high-speed National Highway corridors and to strengthen road safety.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar