New Delhi, April 24, 2026 : In a major step toward modernising road infrastructure, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that barrier-free tolling systems will be introduced on several national highways across India by December 2026.
Speaking at the Logistics Shakti Summit & Awards 2026, Gadkari emphasized that seamless toll collection is key to reducing travel time and logistics costs.
🚀 What is Barrier-Free Tolling?
The new system will eliminate the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas by using:
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) with AI analytics
- RFID-based FASTag system
Vehicles will be automatically identified and charged while in motion, ensuring smooth traffic flow.
⚠️ Penalties for Non-Compliance
- E-notices will be issued to violators
- Non-payment may lead to FASTag suspension
- Additional penalties may be imposed via VAHAN records
📉 Focus on Reducing Logistics Costs
Gadkari highlighted that improving infrastructure is critical for economic growth:
- India’s logistics cost has dropped from 16% to around 10%
- Target is to bring it down to single digits
- Compared globally:
- USA: ~12%
- Europe: ~12%
- China: 8–10%
🌱 Push for Alternative Fuels
The minister also raised concerns about India’s heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels (about 87%) and stressed the need for:
- Biofuels
- Green hydrogen as future energy sources
He reiterated that lowering logistics costs and boosting infrastructure are essential to achieving Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a $5 trillion economy.
