Amendment Notification to the User Fee Notification of Chikhali Tarsod Section from Km 360.000 to Km 422.700 of NH 53, old NH 6 in the State of Maharashtra

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Fee Collection Notification **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Government of India's notification regarding the collection of fees on National Highway 53 in Maharashtra. The amendment, issued on September 2, 2021, specifically substitutes Para 1 above Table 1 of the original notification (S.O. 1711E dated April 29, 2021) with a new section regarding the Amravati to Gujarat-Maharashtra Border Section. This change likely aims to update the authority responsible for fee collection and potentially adjust the fee structure for the specified section of the highway. The key finding is a shift in focus towards the Amravati to Gujarat-Maharashtra Border Section. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an analysis of the amendment to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' notification concerning the collection of fees for the use of sections of National Highway 53 in the State of Maharashtra. This analysis is based solely on the text of the provided notification dated September 2, 2021 (S.O. 3589E). **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Being Amended:** S.O. 1711E dated April 29, 2021, regarding fee collection for the use of the Chikhali Tarsod section of National Highway 53. * **Core Objective(s):** The original policy objective, based on the provided text and inferred meaning, is to authorize the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) or its contractor to collect fees for the use of the Chikhali Tarsod section of National Highway 53 to recoup investment and maintenance costs. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment appears to address a shift in the designated section of highway under NHAI's purview for fee collection. The original notification focused on the Chikhali Tarsod section. The amendment introduces the Amravati to Gujarat-Maharashtra Border Section. This suggests a change in the scope of NHAI's responsibilities, potentially due to project completion, contractual changes, or a broader realignment of tolling strategies on National Highway 53. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is an amendment to a previous notification. The *specific* changes introduced are as follows: * **Specific Part Changed:** Para 1 above Table 1 of notification S.O. 1711E dated April 29, 2021, is replaced in its entirety. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new paragraph states that the Amravati to Gujarat-Maharashtra Border Section from Km 166.725 to Km 649.00 of National Highway 6 (New National Highway 53) in Maharashtra has been entrusted to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under Section 11 of the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988, according to notification S.O. 863E dated 1st April, 2013. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The amendment replaces the previous focus on the Chikhali Tarsod section with the Amravati to Gujarat-Maharashtra Border Section under NHAI's authority. This suggests a change in the geographic scope of the tolling and potentially a different fee structure for the newly included section, though the text does not specify the rates. The amendment effectively delegates responsibility for fee collection on a different stretch of the highway to NHAI. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by these changes include: * **Commuters and Commercial Vehicle Operators** using the Amravati to Gujarat-Maharashtra Border Section of National Highway 53. They will be subject to toll collection managed by NHAI. * **National Highways Authority of India (NHAI):** The primary agency responsible for implementing and managing fee collection on the designated highway section. * **Contractors** potentially hired by NHAI for fee collection. * **Businesses and Industries** that rely on transportation along this route, as toll costs may impact their logistics and operational expenses. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is the primary responsible agency. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of publication (September 2, 2021). The text does not specify a specific timeline for implementation, but it implies immediate effect. * **Specific to the Amendment:** This amendment requires NHAI to establish toll collection mechanisms on the Amravati to Gujarat-Maharashtra Border Section. This likely involves setting up toll plazas, determining fee rates (presumably based on existing regulations), and managing the collection process. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these specific changes is to: * **Generate revenue** for NHAI through toll collection on the Amravati to Gujarat-Maharashtra Border Section to support highway maintenance, improvements, and debt repayment. * **Ensure efficient management** of this section of National Highway 53 by assigning responsibility to NHAI. * **Potentially impact transportation costs** for users of the specified highway section, depending on the established fee rates. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways fee collection notification signifies a shift in focus from the Chikhali Tarsod section to the Amravati to Gujarat-Maharashtra Border Section of National Highway 53. This change delegates responsibility for fee collection on this new section to NHAI. The implications involve potential revenue generation for NHAI, possible adjustments to transportation costs for highway users, and a realignment of tolling strategies on National Highway 53. This is a significant update that affected industries and commuters should be aware of.

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