Breaking: Tamil Nadu's First Booth-Less Toll System Goes Live at Paranur

Tamil Nadu's first booth-less toll system became operational at Paranur on Tuesday, marking a major milestone in the state's push for intelligent transport infrastructure. The system, installed on the Paranur toll plaza along the Chennai-Trichy National Highway, allows vehicles equipped with FASTags to pass through without stopping at traditional toll booths, using overhead gantries and automatic number plate recognition to levy charges.

The project, implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in coordination with the Tamil Nadu Road Development Company, aims to reduce congestion at one of the state's busiest toll points. Officials said the booth-less system can process up to 1,200 vehicles per hour per lane, compared to 300-400 vehicles in manual lanes, significantly cutting waiting times and fuel consumption. "This is a structural realignment in tolling technology. It will not only save time but also reduce carbon emissions from idling vehicles," an NHAI spokesperson said. The system is expected to handle over 20,000 vehicles daily.

The launch is part of a broader national effort to implement barrier-less tolling across India by 2025. If successful, the Paranur model could be replicated at other toll plazas in Tamil Nadu and beyond. Commuters have welcomed the move, though some expressed concerns about initial technical glitches and the need for widespread FASTag adoption. Authorities plan to monitor the system's performance over the next three months before deciding on expansion.