NHAI Plans Barrier-Free Tolling on New High-Speed Highways

• MLFF tolling will allow vehicles to pass without stopping at toll booths.
• New rules cover four- and six-lane high-speed National Highways.
• AI-based construction technology will support highway development.
• Greenery, drip irrigation and drainage will be planned from the project stage.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th Sept: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued new guidelines for upcoming high-speed National Highways, including provisions for Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling that will allow vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping at conventional toll plazas.

The framework will apply to upcoming four- and six-lane Greenfield and Brownfield High-Speed Access-Controlled National Highways. Expressways are not covered under the guidelines.

Under MLFF tolling, vehicles will be able to continue moving while toll charges are collected electronically, removing the need to stop at conventional toll booths and barriers. NHAI has said provisions for implementing the system will have to be incorporated at the planning stage of high-speed corridors.

Traffic projections to guide highway planning
The new framework calls for more detailed traffic projections before highway designs are finalised. Estimates will take into account existing traffic, vehicles expected to shift from other routes and future growth in freight movement associated with economic and commercial activity.

Toll data and other reliable sources will also be used to improve traffic forecasts and help planners assess the future capacity requirements of each corridor.

Technology-driven highway construction
The guidelines also provide for greater use of modern construction technology. Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AI-MC) technology will be used for highway embankments and pavements in accordance with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The technology is intended to improve consistency and precision in construction while enabling closer monitoring of project execution.

Greenery to be part of project planning
Plantation and landscaping will be incorporated from the project-planning stage rather than being treated only as post-construction additions.

Depending on local climate, terrain and environmental conditions, greenery can be developed in loop areas, beneath flyovers, on highway medians and at other suitable locations.

Drip irrigation systems will also be provided on National Highway medians to reduce water consumption and facilitate maintenance of plantations.

Greater focus on drainage and water harvesting
The guidelines place additional emphasis on drainage planning. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) will have to clearly identify discharge points for rainwater from highways and surrounding areas.

Water-harvesting structures will be provided in loop areas and other suitable locations, particularly where natural outlets for rainwater are unavailable.

Special drainage arrangements will also be required around underpasses, flyovers, depressed medians and other structures to minimise waterlogging and potential damage to highways.

NHAI said the changes are aimed at developing safer, more sustainable and future-ready high-speed National Highway corridors across the country.