Entrustment of NHs in the State of Tripura

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes two notifications (S.O. 2724(E) and S.O. 2725(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on July 7, 2021, concerning amendments to the National Highways Act, 1956. The first notification omits a specified section of National Highway 44 (Churaibari to Agartala) from a previous notification. The second notification assigns the function of executing works pertaining to the same section of National Highway 44 (including a portion of the Agartala Bypass) to the State Government of Tripura. This indicates a shift in responsibility for this highway section's development and maintenance to the state level. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a clear and concise overview of two notifications issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on July 7, 2021, concerning the National Highways Act, 1956. The analysis is based solely on the information provided in the given text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This report analyzes amendments to the National Highways Act, 1956. The original notifications being amended are S.O 4026 (E), dated August 20, 2018, and S.O 1096E, dated August 4, 2005. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective appears to be the delegation of responsibility for the execution of works related to a specific section of National Highway 44 to the State Government of Tripura. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendments likely stem from a decision to transfer some authority from the central government to the state government regarding certain National Highway sections. The rationale for this specific change is not explicitly stated but can be inferred as an effort to decentralize highway management, potentially to improve efficiency or responsiveness to local needs. The central government may be seeking to empower state governments to manage infrastructure projects within their jurisdictions, possibly leading to faster project completion and better alignment with regional development goals. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Amendment 1 (S.O. 2724(E)):** This notification omits the following entry from the Table in notification S.O 4026 (E), dated August 20, 2018: "Churaibari to Agartala Section Km 284.00 to 482.00 198.00 in the State of Tripura". * **Specific Part Changed:** The table entry in the original S.O 4026(E) that defined the section of highway under consideration. * **New Rule/Provision:** The removal of the specified section from the table. * **Difference/Effect:** This removal signifies that whatever provisions applied to this section under the original notification (S.O 4026(E)) no longer apply under that specific notification. Its inclusion is rescinded. * **Amendment 2 (S.O. 2725(E)):** This notification substitutes serial number 30 in the Schedule of notification S.O 1096E, dated August 4, 2005, with a new entry assigning the function of executing works to the State Government of Tripura for: "So much of National Highways No. 44 Churaibari to Agartala Section Km 284.00 to 482.00 and Agartala Bypass Western Arm i.e. LembucherraAirport Amtali, No. 208A excluding from Km 0.00 To km 45.00 Kailashahar to Kurti bridge TripuraAsssam border Section as are situated within the State of Tripura." * **Specific Part Changed:** The entry relating to serial number 30 in the original schedule. * **New Rule/Provision:** The State Government of Tripura is now responsible for the execution of works pertaining to the specified section of National Highway 44 and a portion of the Agartala Bypass, provided they comply with existing rules under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Difference/Effect:** This assigns the responsibility for the execution of works on this section to the Tripura state government. Previously, this responsibility likely resided with the Central Government. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * The State Government of Tripura: Now responsible for executing works on the specified highway sections. * Residents and businesses in the region served by the Churaibari to Agartala section of National Highway 44 and the Agartala Bypass: Affected by changes in road conditions and development. * Contractors and construction companies operating in Tripura: Potentially benefit from new contracts related to highway works. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The State Government of Tripura, specifically its relevant departments (e.g., Public Works Department). * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification does not specify any timelines. The State Government is required to comply with the existing rules under the National Highways Act, 1956. * The amendments indicate that the implementation would involve transferring the administrative and financial responsibilities for the designated highway section to the government of Tripura. The State Government will need to establish appropriate mechanisms for planning, budgeting, and overseeing the execution of works. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes and impacts of these changes are: * Increased efficiency and responsiveness in the execution of highway works on the specified section, as the State Government is presumably more familiar with local conditions and needs. * Potential for faster project completion due to decentralized decision-making. * Improved road conditions and connectivity in the region, benefiting residents and businesses. * Possible improvements in coordination between central and state authorities. **9. Conclusion:** The notifications issued on July 7, 2021, represent a significant shift in the management of a portion of National Highway 44, transferring responsibility for its development and maintenance to the State Government of Tripura. This decentralization aims to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and project completion rates, ultimately benefiting the region's connectivity and economic growth. The amendments mark a move toward empowering state governments in the management of National Highways within their jurisdictions.

Key Entities Referenced