Quick Answer
Paranur Toll Plaza switched to Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrierless tolling on October 1, 2026. Vehicles on the Tambaram–Tindivanam section of NH-179B can pass the tolling point without stopping. The system uses FASTag RFID plus Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). NHAI advises motorists to keep the FASTag functional and maintain sufficient balance to avoid an Electronic Notice for unsuccessful toll payment.
KM 002 · What Changed
What Changed at Paranur Toll Plaza?
NHAI rolled out Tamil Nadu's first MLFF-based tolling system at Paranur on the Tambaram–Tindivanam section of NH-179B. Unlike a conventional toll plaza where a vehicle approaches a booth and waits for a barrier to lift, MLFF is designed to collect the applicable user fee electronically while traffic continues through the tolling location.
Old Toll-Plaza Experience
Vehicles enter toll lanes, slow or stop near a booth, the FASTag reader processes the transaction and a physical barrier controls passage.
MLFF Experience
Vehicles pass through the tolling point without a conventional stop. FASTag and ANPR technology support automated vehicle identification and user-fee collection.
KM 003 · Technology
How FASTag + ANPR Barrierless Tolling Works
Vehicle Approaches
The vehicle enters the MLFF tolling zone without needing to queue at a traditional booth.
FASTag Is Read
RFID-based Electronic Toll Collection identifies the FASTag associated with the vehicle.
ANPR Reads Plate
Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras capture vehicle-registration information as part of the automated tolling system.
Toll Is Processed
If the FASTag is functional and adequately funded, the applicable user fee can be processed electronically.
KM 004 · Before You Travel
3 Things to Check Before Crossing Paranur
Make sure the tag is active, properly affixed and not blocked or otherwise nonfunctional.
FASTag Guide →NHAI specifically advises sufficient FASTag balance for a seamless MLFF transaction.
Recharge Guide →NHAI's MLFF advisory asks road users to use clear, compliant High Security Registration Plates (HSRP).
KM 005 · Failed Payment
What Happens If FASTag Payment Fails?
Because there is no conventional barrier stopping the vehicle, NHAI uses an Electronic Notice mechanism for unsuccessful toll payments. NHAI says situations such as insufficient FASTag balance, an inactive/nonfunctional FASTag or other tag-related issues can lead to an E-Notice for non-payment of the user fee.
WITHIN 72 HOURS
Normal Toll RateNHAI says an E-Notice paid within 72 hours is payable at the normal applicable user-fee rate.
AFTER 72 HOURS
2× Applicable RateUnder NHAI's stated mechanism, non-payment after the 72-hour period results in user fee at twice the applicable rate for the vehicle category.
How to Check an E-Notice
NHAI says road users can check/manage notices through the designated NIC National Highway Fee E-Notice portal using the vehicle registration number and an OTP sent to the mobile number registered in VAHAN. E-Notices can also be viewed in the Rajmargyatra mobile app.
Check Official E-Notice Portal →KM 006 · Wrong Notice
What If the E-Notice Is Wrong?
If you believe an E-Notice was issued incorrectly, NHAI's published mechanism allows a grievance to be submitted through the designated NIC portal within 72 hours of issuance for review and resolution. Keep the vehicle details, FASTag transaction information and notice details available when raising the grievance.
KM 007 · Annual Pass
What About FASTag Annual Pass Users?
The FASTag Annual Pass is a separate National Highway/National Expressway scheme for eligible non-commercial cars, jeeps and vans. For FY 2026–27, the government states that it costs ₹3,075 and provides up to one year or 200 fee-plaza crossings, whichever is earlier. Your eligibility and whether a particular journey is covered should be checked under the Annual Pass rules rather than assuming barrierless tolling itself creates a new exemption.
FASTag Annual Pass Guide →KM 008 · India Rollout
Where Else Is MLFF Barrierless Tolling Live?
Paranur is Tamil Nadu's first MLFF implementation, but NHAI has already rolled out MLFF at other locations as part of a phased national deployment.
| Toll location | Corridor | State/Region |
|---|---|---|
| Paranur | Tambaram–Tindivanam, NH-179B | Tamil Nadu |
| Chorayasi | Surat–Bharuch, NH-48 | Gujarat |
| Mundka-Bakkarwala | UER-II | Delhi-NCR |
| Shahjahanpur / Daulatpura / Manoharpura | Delhi–Jaipur, NH-48 | Rajasthan |
| Gharaunda | Panipat–Jalandhar, NH-44 | Haryana |
KM 009 · Quick Answers
Paranur Barrierless Tolling FAQs
NHAI says MLFF enables vehicles to pass through the tolling location without stopping at a conventional barrier.
Yes. NHAI specifically advises National Highway users to maintain a functional FASTag with sufficient balance for a seamless MLFF experience.
ANPR means Automatic Number Plate Recognition. In MLFF, it works alongside FASTag-based Electronic Toll Collection to support automated vehicle identification and toll operations.
An unsuccessful toll payment can lead to an E-Notice. Under NHAI's published mechanism, payment within 72 hours is at the normal applicable toll rate; after 72 hours, the user fee can be twice the applicable rate.
Yes. NHAI says a grievance can be submitted through the designated NIC portal within 72 hours of issuance if the vehicle owner believes the E-Notice is incorrect.
KM 010 · Official Sources
Check Official Information
This guide is based primarily on NHAI/Ministry information released through the Press Information Bureau. Tolling procedures and e-Notice rules can change, so verify time-sensitive payment or notice information through official channels.
Editorial update: October 5, 2026 · RajMargYatra Editorial Team