Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has confirmed that the government is moving toward a fully barrier-free toll collection system across India's national highway network. The target date for the completion of this transition is March 2027. This shift is intended to eliminate the need for vehicles to stop at physical toll gates, which currently serve as significant bottlenecks for interstate travel.

The proposed system relies on advanced technology, likely building upon the existing FASTag infrastructure, to allow for seamless vehicle movement while ensuring toll payments are processed automatically. By removing physical barriers, the Ministry expects to significantly decrease travel time and fuel consumption associated with idling in queues. While the announcement provides a clear timeline for the infrastructure overhaul, specific details regarding the transition process for existing toll operators and the potential impact on toll rates remain forthcoming. The move is part of a broader push by the Ministry to modernize India’s logistics and transportation sector, aiming to bring the country's highway efficiency closer to international standards.