CHENNAI: Motorists on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH-48) can expect a smoother ride, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) set to introduce barrier-free toll collection at Nemili toll plaza near Sriperumbudur from zero hours on November 12.

Under the Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system, vehicles will no longer have to stop or slow down at toll booths for payment. The technology uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers to detect FASTags and AI-enabled Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to capture vehicle registration numbers. The system will match the two sets of data in real time and automatically deduct the toll from the linked account.

Nemili is the second toll plaza in Tamil Nadu to adopt the system after Paranur near Chengalpattu on GST Road, which switched to barrier-free collection on October 1. NHAI is also likely to introduce the system at Chennasamudaram near Walajah on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway after trial operations.

The technology is expected to eliminate queues at toll plazas, cut travel time and fuel consumption, and reduce vehicular emissions. It will also lower the operational and maintenance costs associated with conventional toll plazas.

NHAI has also invited bids to replace the existing toll plazas on the Chennai Bypass, connecting Tambaram and Puzhal through Maduravoyal, with the MLFF system.