Bengaluru–Mysuru Highway Set for Barrier-Free Tolling as NHAI Plans MLFF Pilot

 

In a major step towards modernising India’s highway infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing to roll out a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system on the 117-kilometre Bengaluru–Mysuru Access-Controlled Highway (NH-275). According to a report by The Hindu, the proposed initiative will mark a decisive shift away from conventional toll plazas towards a seamless, technology-driven toll collection model.

The Bengaluru–Mysuru corridor, one of Karnataka’s busiest highways, has long struggled with congestion, especially during weekends, holidays, and festival seasons. With MLFF, NHAI aims to significantly reduce travel delays while improving efficiency, fuel economy, and overall driving experience.

What Is Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling?

MLFF is an advanced electronic tolling system that allows vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping or slowing down. Instead of physical toll booths and barriers, toll charges are collected through overhead gantries installed along the highway.

These gantries are equipped with:

• High-performance RFID FASTag readers

• Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras

• Satellite-based GPS systems

Together, these technologies identify vehicles in real time, verify registration details, and automatically deduct toll charges from linked FASTag or bank accounts—even when vehicles are travelling at highway speeds.

Tender Process and Project Status

NHAI officials have confirmed that the Bengaluru–Mysuru MLFF project will be awarded through a competitive tendering process. A tender has already been floated, bids have been received, and evaluations are currently underway.

The selected firm will not only install the MLFF infrastructure but will also be responsible for operating and maintaining the system. This includes ensuring accurate toll collection, managing backend settlement processes, and securely transferring toll revenues to linked bank accounts in a timely manner.

A Major Shift Towards Barrier-Less Tolling

Describing the initiative as a landmark reform, NHAI’s Regional Officer (Karnataka), Vilas P Brahmankar, highlighted the benefits of MLFF-based tolling.

“This is a major shift towards barrier-less toll collection. MLFF enables transactions through the reading of FASTag and Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRN) using high-performance RFID readers and ANPR cameras. Vehicles will no longer need to stop at toll plazas, which will reduce congestion, save travel time, improve fuel efficiency and lower vehicular emissions,” he was quoted as saying.

By eliminating queues and idling at toll booths, the system is also expected to contribute to environmental goals by cutting down unnecessary fuel burn and emissions.

Learning from India’s First MLFF Deployment

India’s first MLFF tolling system became operational in August 2025 at the Choryasi Fee Plaza on NH-48 in Gujarat. According to NHAI officials, that project resulted in smoother traffic flow, reduced bottlenecks, and improved commuter satisfaction.

The positive outcomes from Gujarat have encouraged NHAI to expand MLFF to other high-traffic corridors, with the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway chosen as a key testing ground in southern India.

Bengaluru–Mysuru Stretch as a Testing Ground

A senior NHAI official noted that the project on NH-275 will initially function as a pilot phase. During this stage, MLFF gantries and systems will be installed, but existing toll plazas will not be removed immediately.

“This is a testing phase. While MLFF gantries and systems will be installed, toll plazas will not be immediately removed. The pilot will allow us to study system accuracy, user compliance, enforcement challenges and backend settlement processes,” the official said.

Based on the system’s performance, NHAI plans to move towards full-scale implementation and gradually phase out physical toll booths.

Benefits for Daily Commuters and Long-Distance Travellers

Once fully implemented, MLFF is expected to make tolling almost invisible to motorists. For a corridor that sees heavy daily usage by office commuters, logistics operators, and intercity travellers, the benefits could be substantial.

Reduced congestion, faster travel times, smoother traffic flow, and predictable journeys are likely to improve the overall efficiency of the highway. Logistics firms may also benefit from lower fuel costs and improved delivery timelines.

A Glimpse Into the Future of Indian Highways

The Bengaluru–Mysuru MLFF pilot aligns with NHAI’s broader vision of digitised, efficient, and commuter-friendly highways. If successful, the project could pave the way for nationwide adoption of barrier-free tolling across major national highways.

As India continues to invest heavily in road infrastructure, MLFF represents a crucial step toward making highway travel faster, cleaner, and more technologically advanced for millions of motorists.