In exercise of the powers conferred by subsection 2 of section 2 of the National Highways Act

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically concerning the description of National Highway 143D in the state of Jharkhand. The amendment, detailed in notification S.O. 2165(E) dated June 7, 2021, substitutes the original description of National Highway No. 516 with a new description for National Highway No. 143D, including its route and connecting locations. The key finding is that this amendment provides a more precise definition of the highway's route, which likely impacts infrastructure development and regional connectivity in Jharkhand. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative analysis of an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, as published in the Gazette of India on June 7, 2021. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of notification S.O. 2165(E) and seeks to clarify the changes introduced and their potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This document is an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956. It modifies a previous notification, S.O. 689(E) dated April 4, 2011, which itself substituted the original schedule of the Act. Further amendments were made via S.O. 2142(E) dated June 3, 2021. * **Core Objective:** Based on the text, the core objective of this amendment is to refine and update the official description of a specific national highway, ensuring accurate demarcation for planning and execution purposes. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment likely stems from a need to update or correct the original description of National Highway No. 516. This may be due to changes in the actual route, revised planning, or discrepancies in previous documentation. The previous notification was related to National Highway No. 516, it has now been substituted with details of National Highway No. 143D. The amendment to a previous amendment further suggests a dynamic process of refining the road network definitions. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment focuses specifically on updating the description of National Highway No. 516 with the new National Highway No. 143D. * **Specific Part Changed:** The Schedule of the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically serial number 516 and entries relating thereto, is being substituted. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new provision replaces the old description with the following: | New Serial No. | National Highway No. | Description of National Highways | | :------------- | :------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 516 | 143D | The highway starting from its junction with NH143 near Kereya connecting Keyondpani, Sasia, Loenga, Jariya, Lodhma and terminating near Sithiyo Ranchi in the State of Jharkhand. | * **Difference/Effect:** The change replaces the previous description of National Highway No. 516 with a detailed route for National Highway No. 143D. The effect is a more precise definition of the road's alignment, including the specific towns and locations it connects. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * **Construction companies:** Those involved in building or maintaining the highway. * **Regional transport authorities:** Responsible for managing traffic and transportation along the specified route. * **Local communities:** Residents and businesses located in Kereya, Keyondpani, Sasia, Loenga, Jariya, Lodhma, and Sithiyo Ranchi. * **Landowners:** Whose property may be adjacent to or impacted by the highway. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the responsible body. * **Timelines/Procedures:** No specific timelines or procedures are outlined in the text, but the notification's publication suggests immediate effect upon gazetting. * **Amendment Specific Aspects:** The amendment necessitates updating maps, databases, and other official records to reflect the new highway description. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this specific amendment is to provide clarity and accuracy in the definition of National Highway No. 143D. This, in turn, should: * Facilitate more efficient planning and execution of infrastructure projects along the route. * Improve coordination between different agencies involved in highway management. * Reduce ambiguity and potential disputes related to land acquisition and development. * Positive impact on Industries such as Mining, Steel, and Agriculture. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, as detailed in notification S.O. 2165(E), represents a refinement in the description of National Highway No. 143D. This change is significant for ensuring accurate mapping, planning, and implementation of projects related to this specific highway, with potential benefits for connectivity and regional development in Jharkhand. The improved accuracy should facilitate smoother project execution and reduce potential conflicts.

Key Entities Referenced