NHAI Issues Standardised Design Guidelines for Barrier-Free Multi-Lane Free Flow Tolling on National Highways

Key facts

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued guidelines to standardise the design and infrastructure of toll plazas on four-lane and above National Highways, enabling barrier-less Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling in which vehicles need not stop at toll booths.
• The guidelines prescribe uniform requirements for toll plaza layouts, lane configuration, gantries, road infrastructure, lighting, signage and supporting facilities, and rationalise the number of tolling lanes compared to conventional plazas.
• The guidelines apply to all future and under-construction projects: DPR-stage projects will incorporate the new design in their documents, while awarded or under-construction projects will adopt the changes through applicable contractual provisions; NHAI field offices have been directed to incorporate the requirements.
• The policy circular emphasises adequate lighting, advance signage and Electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS) at toll plazas, and provides for an administrative building-cum-operations and maintenance centre for toll plaza management.
• The initiative aims to eliminate traffic queues and waiting time, reduce fuel consumption at toll plazas, and make National Highway journeys safer and more seamless.