P and M File

## Report on Amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically focusing on notification S.O. 3252(E) published on July 20, 2022. This amendment modifies the Schedule of the Act by substituting entries related to National Highways numbered 60, 61 and 52 effectively changing the routes and descriptions of these highways. The report identifies the changes in the routes of the highways, the affected regions primarily in Maharashtra, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, and the likely impact on connectivity and development in these regions. The report is limited to the information contained within the provided text. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an analysis of the amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, as outlined in notification S.O. 3252(E) dated July 20, 2022. The purpose of this report is to inform stakeholders about the changes to the designated national highway routes as detailed in the amendment. The analysis is solely based on the information provided in the given document. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** The amendment modifies the notification of the Government of India, in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways published in Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub Section ii vide number S.O. 689E dated the 4th April, 2011, which had previously substituted the Schedule to the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to modify and update the routes of certain National Highways to reflect, potentially, infrastructural changes, new development areas, or revised transportation needs. The amendment seeks to redefine and clarify the descriptions of the highways specified. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment to the National Highways Act appears to be driven by the need to update the official descriptions of National Highways 60, 61 and 52. The specific rationale for these particular changes cannot be fully determined from the provided text alone. However, it can be inferred that factors such as: * Completion of construction of new highway stretches. * Re-evaluation of high-traffic areas and important junctions, and re-routing of highways accordingly. * Need to connect new regions with existing networks for infrastructural development. likely contributed to the need for this amendment. The amendment specifically alters the listed route descriptions of the highways mentioned to reflect new connections and termini. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment focuses on substituting the original descriptions of National Highways numbered 60, 61 and 52 with new ones. The main changes are: * **National Highway 60 (Formerly 188):** The new description specifies the highway's route starting from its junction with NH53 near Dhule and connecting Nashik, Sangammer, Ale and terminating at its junction with NH48 near Pune, including a spur from Khed to Bhimashankar. * **National Highway 61 (Formerly 190):** The updated description outlines the highway's route starting from its junction with NH160 Bhiwandi near Kalyan and connecting Murbad, Ale, Ahmadnagar, Shevgaon, Gevrai, Majalgaon, Parbhani, Nanded, Bhokar (Maharashtra), Nirmal, Khanapur, Mallapuram, Raikal, and terminating at its junction with NH63 near Jagtial in Telangana, including a spur from Bankar Phata to Tale Ghar. * **National Highway 52 (Formerly 172):** This highway's modified description details its path from Sangrur (Punjab) through Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, terminating at its junction with NH66 near Ankola, including a spur from Verul Ellora Caves to Khultabad. The effect of these changes is to redefine the official route and endpoints of these highways, which could impact planning, development, and land acquisition processes along these routes. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by these changes include: * **Residents and landowners:** Along the updated highway routes. * **Businesses and industries:** Relying on transportation along these highways, including logistics and transportation companies. * **State governments and local authorities:** In Maharashtra, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, who are responsible for road maintenance, infrastructure development, and land use planning along the specified routes. * **Construction companies and contractors:** Involved in highway construction and maintenance projects. * **Investors and developers:** Interested in projects adjacent to or reliant on the updated highway network. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the responsible agency. * **Timelines/Procedures:** No specific timelines or procedures are outlined in the provided text. However, it can be inferred that the relevant state and local authorities will need to update their planning documents and procedures to reflect the changes to the National Highway routes. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these specific changes include: * **Improved Connectivity:** By updating the routes and including new sections, the amendment likely aims to improve connectivity between key regions and economic centers in the states mentioned. * **Enhanced Transportation Efficiency:** Redefining the highway routes may lead to more efficient transportation of goods and people, potentially reducing travel times and transportation costs. * **Infrastructure Development:** The changes may spur infrastructure development along the updated routes, leading to new business opportunities and economic growth in those areas. * **Clarification of Route Definitions:** The updated descriptions provide a clear and unambiguous definition of the National Highway routes, which can help to avoid confusion and streamline planning and development processes. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, through notification S.O. 3252(E), represents a significant update to the official descriptions and routes of National Highways 60, 61 and 52. These changes are likely intended to improve connectivity, enhance transportation efficiency, and promote infrastructure development in the affected regions of Maharashtra, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. The amendment highlights the ongoing need to adapt and update transportation infrastructure to meet evolving needs and support economic growth. Understanding these specific changes is critical for stakeholders in the transportation, logistics, construction, and regional development sectors.

Key Entities Referenced