The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled a pioneering initiative with the launch of the unmanned Bakkarwala toll plaza on the Dwarka Expressway in Delhi. This project, the first of its kind in the country, is designed to eliminate cash booths and human-operated barriers, relying entirely on automation. Vehicles are meant to pass through seamlessly, guided by FASTag sensors, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, and sensor-based boom barriers.
The vision behind the model is to ease congestion, accelerate travel, and ensure greater transparency in toll collection. By removing human involvement, the system promises quicker clearance at barriers, reduced manpower costs, and fewer disputes between motorists and toll operators. It represents a move toward smarter, cashless, and contactless expressway operations.
The technology rests on three pillars. FASTag scanners detect vehicles and debit payments instantly as they approach the plaza. ANPR cameras capture high-resolution images of number plates for verification and enforcement in case of insufficient balance or violations. Finally, the sensor-controlled boom barriers lift only once payment confirmation is received, ensuring accountability and seamless vehicle movement. In theory, this setup requires no manual staff intervention.
However, when India Today TV visited the Bakkarwala plaza, the on-ground reality revealed operational hiccups. The FASTag sensors often failed to detect tags immediately, leaving boom barriers shut and commuters waiting. In many cases, staff had to override the system and assist motorists to avoid traffic pileups. This resulted in delays and occasional confusion for drivers, with some being asked to reverse their cars for re-scanning. Many commuters appreciated the intent but pointed out that the process felt slower and less efficient than promised.
Officials acknowledge these issues as “teething troubles” in what they view as a proof-of-concept project. According to an NHAI representative, the pilot is expected to improve over time as glitches are resolved and the technology is fine-tuned. For now, the plaza operates more as a semi-automated model, with staff playing a crucial backup role in maintaining smooth traffic flow.
Despite the current challenges, the Bakkarwala toll plaza holds transformative potential. If perfected, the system could reduce revenue leakages, minimise human error, cut down congestion, and pave the way for truly smart highways across India. The project signals the future direction of India’s road infrastructure—towards being more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven.
Ultimately, the success of this experiment will determine how soon unmanned toll plazas can become a nationwide reality. The Bakkarwala model may be a work in progress today, but it offers a glimpse of a highway system where technology, rather than manpower, takes full control of tolling.
