P and M File

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 2016(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on April 29, 2022, which constitutes an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956. The amendment, detailed in the notification, modifies the Schedule of the Act by substituting entries related to specific sections of National Highways in Andhra Pradesh. The core purpose of this amendment is to update the descriptions and designations of these highways, likely to reflect changes in road infrastructure or planning. Key findings relate to the re-designation and detailed route descriptions of National Highways 516C, 516F, 516W, and a modification to NH 71. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the notification S.O. 2016(E), dated April 29, 2022, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This notification amends the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically concerning the designation and description of certain national highways in Andhra Pradesh. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** National Highways Act, 1956 * **Core Objective(s):** The National Highways Act, 1956 aims to provide for the declaration of certain highways to be national highways and for matters connected therewith. The amendment's objective, inferred from the text, is to update and refine the official descriptions and designations of specific national highways, ensuring accurate records and potentially facilitating future development or maintenance efforts. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment is likely driven by a need to update the official records of the national highway network to reflect on-the-ground changes. These changes might include the construction of new bypasses, extensions, or realignments of existing highways. The specific issues addressed are likely related to discrepancies between the existing Schedule of the Act and the actual routes and endpoints of the highways in question. These discrepancies could impede planning, maintenance, or future infrastructure projects. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment *substitutes* entries in the Schedule of the National Highways Act, 1956, for serial numbers 527, 597, 598, and 211. This means that the original descriptions associated with these numbers are entirely replaced by new descriptions. * **Specific Changes:** * **Serial Number 527:** Now corresponds to National Highway 516C. The new description details a route starting from its junction with NH16 at Sabbavaram bypass connecting Amruthapuram, Narava, Sathivani palem, Gopalpatanam 527 516C rural, Sheelanagar, Convent Junction and terminating near East Break Waters in the State of Andhra Pradesh. * **Serial Number 597:** Now corresponds to National Highway 516F. The new description details a route starting from its junction with NH16 near Annavaram connecting Kakinada SEZ, Nagulapalli, Vakalapudi Light House and terminating at 597 516F Kakinada Anchorage port area including spur from Vakalapudi Light House, Achhampeta junction NH216 and terminating near Samarlakota in the state of Andhra Pradesh. * **Serial Number 598:** Now corresponds to National Highway 516W. The new description details a route starting from its junction with NH16 near Chillakuru Cross connecting Muthayalapadu, Tupru Kanupuru, Thamminapatnam and terminating at its junction with NH67 near Mollur Muthukur including II 3ii : 3 spurs from Thamminapatnam to Krishnapatnam port South Gate and extension of dedicated Krishnapatnam port road in the State of Andhra Pradesh. * **Serial Number 211:** Now corresponds to National Highway 71. The new description details a route starting from Madanpalle on NH42, connecting Pileru, Tirupati, Renigunta, Erpedu, Naidupeta NH16, Chilamathuru, Chendodu and terminating at its junction with NH516W near Turpukanupur in the state of Andhra Pradesh. * **Effect of Changes:** These changes officially re-designate the highway numbers and provide updated, more specific route descriptions. This is crucial for accurate referencing in future infrastructure projects, land acquisition, and legal matters. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary stakeholders affected by these changes include: * **Construction and Infrastructure Development Companies:** Involved in building or maintaining these specific highway sections. * **Landowners:** Along the newly defined routes, potentially impacted by future land acquisition. * **Transport Companies:** Utilizing these routes for commercial activities. * **Local Governments:** In the Andhra Pradesh regions traversed by these highways. * **Port Authorities:** Specifically, Kakinada Anchorage port and Krishnapatnam port due to highway connections. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the responsible agency for implementing these changes. * **Procedures:** The amendment comes into effect immediately upon publication in the Gazette of India. No specific timelines or procedures for implementation are mentioned in the text, but it can be inferred that relevant government departments will update their records and maps accordingly. * **(Amendment-Specific):** Implementation will require updating all official documents and maps that reference the affected highway sections with their new designations and descriptions. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of these amendments are likely to: * Ensure accurate and up-to-date official records of the national highway network. * Facilitate better planning and execution of future infrastructure projects along these routes. * Reduce ambiguity in legal and administrative matters related to these highways. * Improve connectivity to key economic hubs such as Kakinada SEZ and Krishnapatnam port. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 2016(E) represents a significant amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, by updating the descriptions and designations of specific national highways in Andhra Pradesh. This amendment is essential for maintaining accurate records, facilitating infrastructure development, and ensuring legal clarity. The changes will directly impact various stakeholders, including construction companies, landowners, transport companies, and local governments, all of whom should be aware of the updated highway designations and routes.

Key Entities Referenced