Current Affairs, 11 April 2026

Launch and aim

Launched in March 2015 to promote port-led development, cut logistics costs and raise the use of coastal shipping and inland waterways.

Five pillars

Port modernisation and new port development; port connectivity; port-led industrialisation; coastal community development; coastal shipping and inland waterways transport.

Institutional framework

The National Sagarmala Apex Committee (set up May 2015) gives policy guidance. The Maritime States Development Council coordinates Centre and states. State Sagarmala Committees identify and monitor projects in each coastal state or UT.

Don’t confuse with Major vs non-major ports: Major ports are administered by the Centre through the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Non-major ports are run by State Maritime Boards or state governments.

Don’t confuse with SDCL vs SMFCL: Sagarmala Development Company Limited (2016) was restructured in June 2025 into Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited, a maritime NBFC.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2016Mains GS1 · Q19Problems and prospects of inland water transport in India
2. 2022Mains GS2 · Q6Gati Shakti connectivity needs government and private sector coordination
3. 2017Mains GS1 · Q16Converting floods into irrigation and all-weather inland navigation sources
4. 2009Prelims Q10Identify a non-major port among Kochi, Dahej, Paradip, New Mangalore
5. 2026Prelims Q35Statements on Sagarmala's aims, shipping growth, and Sagarmala 2.0
6. 2026Prelims Q24Vizhinjam seaport's structural shift in maritime trade and logistics policy

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Where launched

MLFF went live at Manoharpura Toll Plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur section of NH-48 in Rajasthan.

Rajasthan's first

Rajasthan's first MLFF system was rolled out at Daulatpura Toll Plaza on 19 June 2026. Shahjahanpur plaza is planned next.

Technology

The system links ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) with FASTag-based Electronic Toll Collection.

E-Notice rule

Users with low balance or an invalid FASTag get an E-Notice and must pay the normal fee within 72 hours.

Penalty

If not paid after 72 hours, the fee is charged at twice the normal rate for the vehicle category.

Payment channels

E-Notices can be paid through the designated Parivahan portal and the Rajmargyatra App.

Location

First MLFF toll is at Chorayasi Toll Plaza, Surat–Bharuch section of NH-48, Gujarat.

E-Notice

Users with low balance or an invalid FASTag get an E-Notice and must pay the normal fee within 72 hours.

Consequence of non-payment

Unpaid E-Notices may lead to FASTag blacklisting and restriction of other vehicle services through VAHAN.

Implementing agency

NHAI, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, runs National Highway toll collection.

Where

The first MLFF system is at Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat–Bharuch section of NH-48 in Gujarat.

Expected benefits

It is expected to cut travel time, decongest highways, save fuel, lower emissions and reduce human intervention in toll operations.

Ministry

It is run under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, which announced the launch.

Payment modes

Only FASTag or UPI are accepted for user fee payment at National Highway fee plazas.

Exempt areas

Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry are not covered yet because of the Model Code of Conduct during elections.

Nodal ministry

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways issued the announcement; NHAI collects fees on National Highways.

MLFF technology

MLFF uses number plate recognition cameras with FASTag-based electronic toll collection, so vehicles need not stop.

Don’t confuse with MLFF vs FASTag-only plazas: FASTag plazas still have barriers and lanes where vehicles slow or stop. MLFF has no barriers and vehicles do not stop.

Don’t confuse with MLFF vs FASTag ETC: FASTag uses RFID at a plaza with barriers or lanes; MLFF is barrier-less and adds ANPR cameras so vehicles need not stop.

Don’t confuse with ANPR vs RFID: ANPR reads number plates through cameras; RFID reads the FASTag tag by radio.

Don’t confuse with MLFF vs FASTag: FASTag is the RFID tag and payment method. MLFF is the barrier-less toll system that uses FASTag along with number plate cameras.

Don’t confuse with FASTag vs MLFF: FASTag is an RFID-based prepaid tag for electronic payment at toll plazas. MLFF is a barrier-less system that uses it together with cameras.

Don’t confuse with FASTag vs UPI: FASTag is linked to the vehicle windscreen tag and its account. UPI is an instant interbank mobile payment system run by NPCI.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2024Mains GS3 · Q6Technology behind electronic toll collection; its advantages, limitations, and transition hazards
2. 2013Mains GS2 · Q13Whether electronic cash transfer for welfare schemes reduces corruption and wastage
3. 2004Prelims Q144Which statements about smart cards, digital technology, and digital libraries are correct.
4. 2017Prelims Q80What M-STrIPES refers to in news about highways; its highway security link

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.