NHs in the state of Bihar P and M file

## Policy Analysis Report: National Highways Authority of India Notifications (May 28, 2021) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes two notifications issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on May 28, 2021, concerning National Highways. The first notification entrusts a specific stretch of National Highway 327 Extension in Bihar to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The second notification amends a previous notification (S.O. 1096E, dated August 4, 2005) regarding the execution of works on various National Highways, primarily within the State of Bihar, assigning responsibility to the State Government. The key findings highlight the government's continued effort to develop and maintain the National Highway infrastructure and its distribution of responsibilities between central and state authorities. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a detailed analysis of two notifications pertaining to National Highways, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on May 28, 2021. The analysis is based solely on the provided policy text and focuses on understanding the core objectives, key provisions, target audience, and expected outcomes. **3. Policy Overview:** This analysis covers *two* separate notifications: * **S.O. 2040(E):** This is a *new* policy action. * **S.O. 2041(E):** This is an *amendment* to a pre-existing policy, S.O. 1096(E), dated August 4, 2005. **Core Objectives:** * **S.O. 2040(E):** The core objective, as stated, is to entrust a specific section of a National Highway to the NHAI for management and development. This implies a focus on improving and maintaining this particular stretch of road. * **S.O. 2041(E):** The core objective, as stated, is to direct the functions in relation to the execution of works pertaining to each of the National Highways described to be exercisable by the State Government. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **S.O. 2040(E):** The policy addresses the need for effective management and development of national highway infrastructure. Entrusting specific sections to the NHAI suggests a strategic decision to leverage the Authority's expertise and resources for these projects. The focus on the Bihar section of NH327 indicates a prioritized need for improvement in that specific geographic area. * **S.O. 2041(E):** The amendment likely addresses the need for a revised distribution of responsibilities for national highway projects. The reallocation of responsibilities to the State Government suggests a move towards decentralized execution and potentially faster project implementation at the local level. The specifics of the changes likely reflect adjustments needed based on the previous distribution of tasks under S.O. 1096(E). **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **S.O. 2040(E) - New Policy:** The key provision is the entrustment of the "Galgalia Bhadurganj Araria" section of New NH327 Extension, from chainage 00.000 km to chainage 93.983 km, located in the State of Bihar, to the National Highways Authority of India. This effectively makes the NHAI responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of this specific highway section. * **S.O. 2041(E) - Amendment:** The key change is the *substitution* of the original entry for serial number 4 in the Schedule of notification S.O. 1096E. The original entry is *replaced* with a new, expanded list of National Highways and sections thereof, along with the specification that the functions related to execution of works for these highways will be exercisable by the State Government of Bihar. * **Specific Part Changed:** The Schedule, specifically the entry for serial number 4, is being completely replaced. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new provision assigns the responsibility for the execution of works on an extensive list of National Highways (or sections thereof) within Bihar to the State Government. The list includes highways No.2C, No. 19, No. 28B, No.30A, No. 80, No.81, No.82, No. 98, No. 99, No. 101, No. 103, No. 104, No. 105, No. 106, No. 110, new National Highway number 227J, new National Highway number 227L, new National Highway number 333 the highway starting from Bariyarpur on NH33 new number connecting Kharagpur, Laxmipur, Jamui, Chakai, new National Highway number 327 Extension excluding from Ch. 00.000 km to Ch. 93.983 km Galgalia Bhadurganj Araria section, new National Highway number 131A the Highway starting from Malda, connecting Ratua and Debipur in the State of West Bengal, connecting Amdabad, Manihari, Katihar on NH 31 and terminating at Purnia on NH27 new number, new NH No. 120, new NH No. 122A, new NH No. 122B, new NH No 131B, new NH No. 133, new NH No 133E, new NH No. 219, new NH No. 227A, new NH No. 227F, new NH No. 319A, new NH No. 322 Extended part from junction with NH122 near Mushrigharari to junction with NH27 near Bela Nawada , new NH No. 327A, new NH No. 327AD, new NH No. 333A, new NH No 333C new NH No. 527A, new National Highway number 527E, new NH No. 727A and new NH No. 727AA as are situated within the State of Bihar. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The amendment significantly expands the scope of highways under the State Government's responsibility for "execution of works," meaning construction, repairs, and improvements. The original entry (before the amendment) is not included in the provided text, so it's impossible to fully assess the extent of the change without access to the original S.O. 1096E. However, based on the length of the new list, the State Government's responsibilities have substantially increased. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * **S.O. 2040(E):** The target audience and stakeholders include: * The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). * Residents and businesses in the Galgalia, Bhadurganj, and Araria regions of Bihar who will benefit from improved highway infrastructure. * Construction companies and contractors who may be involved in projects related to the highway section. * **S.O. 2041(E):** The target audience and stakeholders include: * The State Government of Bihar, particularly the departments responsible for road construction and maintenance. * Residents and businesses in Bihar served by the specified National Highways. * Construction companies and contractors operating on National Highway projects within Bihar. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **S.O. 2040(E):** * **Responsible Agency:** National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is the primary responsible agency. * **Timelines/Procedures:** No specific timelines or procedures are outlined in the text. Implementation would likely follow standard NHAI protocols for highway development and maintenance. * **S.O. 2041(E):** * **Responsible Agency:** The State Government of Bihar is the primary responsible agency. * **Timelines/Procedures:** No specific timelines are specified in the text. The notification states that the State Government must comply with "the rules for the time being in force under the said Act," implying that existing regulations and procedures under the National Highways Act, 1956, will govern the execution of works. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **S.O. 2040(E):** The expected outcomes include improved road infrastructure on the Galgalia-Bhadurganj-Araria section of NH327, leading to better connectivity, reduced travel times, and enhanced economic activity in the region. * **S.O. 2041(E):** The intended outcome is likely more efficient and localized execution of works on the specified National Highways within Bihar. By assigning responsibility to the State Government, the central government likely expects faster decision-making, better coordination with local needs, and ultimately, improved highway infrastructure within the state. The increased responsibility for the state government, however, could put a strain on the state resources. **9. Conclusion:** The two notifications analyzed reflect the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to develop and maintain the National Highway network. The entrustment of a specific section of NH327 to the NHAI demonstrates a targeted approach to infrastructure development. The amendment assigning execution responsibilities to the State Government of Bihar signifies a shift towards decentralized implementation and potentially greater responsiveness to local needs. These actions highlight the complex interplay between central and state authorities in managing and improving critical transportation infrastructure.

Key Entities Referenced