New Delhi, Nov 3 The MCD’s plan to introduce a barrier-free toll collection system at the city’s entry points has missed its October 31 deadline, with installation of equipment still underway at several locations and trial runs set to begin at Ghazipur and other points this week, officials said on Tuesday.
The civic body plans to roll out the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system in phases, beginning with 20 major border points that account for nearly 85 per cent of the total traffic volume entering the national capital. The system is expected to become operational at these locations within the month, subject to successful trials, while the remaining smaller entry points will be covered subsequently, officials said.
A senior MCD official said installation of equipment, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, was nearing completion at the major border points and trial runs would begin shortly to assess the system’s accuracy.
“At Ghazipur and some other major border points, trials will begin in a day or two. We will compare the data captured by the new system with that of the existing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based system. Once the accuracy is established, we will start implementing it at the 20 major locations in a phased manner,” the official said.
The official added that the remaining border points would take additional time to be brought under the system.
The MLFF technology is designed to enable toll collection without requiring vehicles to stop at physical barriers. Overhead gantries fitted with RFID readers, sensors and ANPR cameras will identify vehicles and facilitate automatic digital deduction of toll charges.
The MCD collects toll from commercial vehicles entering Delhi. The new system is aimed at streamlining collection and reducing congestion at the city’s border entry points.
The corporation’s Standing Committee formally approved the project last week. Under the tender, the selected agency will be responsible for designing, developing, commissioning, operating and maintaining the MLFF infrastructure for six years.
(PTI News)
