P and M File

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically focusing on a notification published on September 27, 2021. The amendment, referenced as S.O. 3985(E), modifies the schedule within the Act to redefine the route and description of National Highway 116 in West Bengal. This change affects the connectivity to Haldia Port and the Kolaghat Jetty. This report details the specific alterations and their potential impact on transport and logistics related to these key infrastructure points. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, based solely on the notification published in the Gazette of India on September 27, 2021 (S.O. 3985(E)). The report focuses on understanding the specific changes introduced by this amendment and their potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Being Amended:** The National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956), as amended by notification S.O. 689(E) dated April 4, 2011, and subsequently amended by S.O. 3622(E) dated September 6, 2021, is the base policy. * **Core Objective(s) (Inferred):** The overarching objective of the National Highways Act, as amended, is likely to provide for the development and maintenance of national highways, ensuring efficient transportation infrastructure. This specific amendment aims to refine the definition of a particular highway to optimize its functionality. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Likely Reason for Amendment:** The amendment likely addresses a need to clarify or update the defined route of National Highway 116 to reflect current infrastructure developments or to improve connectivity to key economic areas such as Haldia Port and Kolaghat Jetty. The original definition may have become outdated, requiring a modification to accurately represent the highway's path. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment *specifically* substitutes the entry for serial number 50 in the schedule of the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The schedule entry describing National Highway 116. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment redefines National Highway 116 as starting from its junction with NH16 near Kolaghat, connecting Haldia Port, Ranichak up to the gate of Haldia Dock Complex, and terminating at Haldia Multi Modal Terminal. It also includes a spur starting from its junction with NH116 near Kolaghat thermal power plant and terminating at Kolaghat Jetty, all within West Bengal. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The amendment provides a more detailed and specific description of the highway's route, explicitly including its connection to Haldia Port, Haldia Dock Complex, Haldia Multi Modal Terminal, and Kolaghat Jetty. This clarifies the highway's intended function as a crucial transportation link for these facilities. The inclusion of the spur also formally recognizes the route to Kolaghat Jetty as part of the national highway network. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * **Businesses and logistics companies:** Those involved in transporting goods to and from Haldia Port, Haldia Dock Complex, Haldia Multi Modal Terminal, and Kolaghat Jetty. * **Road users:** Those using National Highway 116 for commuting or transportation purposes in the specified areas of West Bengal. * **Government agencies:** Primarily the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, along with other relevant state and local authorities responsible for road maintenance and development. * **Local Communities:** Residents near the highway and related facilities might experience changes related to traffic flow, transportation infrastructure, and economic activities. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is ultimately responsible for implementing the changes. State and local authorities in West Bengal will likely be involved in road maintenance and infrastructure development along the redefined route. * **Timelines/Procedures:** No specific timelines or procedures are mentioned in the text. However, it can be inferred that the relevant authorities will need to update maps, signage, and infrastructure plans to reflect the new definition of National Highway 116. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is to provide a clearer and more accurate definition of National Highway 116, enhancing its role as a crucial transport link for Haldia Port, Haldia Dock Complex, Haldia Multi Modal Terminal, and Kolaghat Jetty. This clarification could lead to: * **Improved logistics and transportation efficiency:** A more precise definition can aid in route planning and traffic management, leading to smoother and faster movement of goods. * **Enhanced infrastructure development:** The amendment can serve as a basis for targeted investment in road maintenance and upgrades along the specified route, improving overall infrastructure quality. * **Economic benefits:** Better connectivity to key port and terminal facilities can stimulate economic activity in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, as detailed in notification S.O. 3985(E), provides a revised description of National Highway 116, emphasizing its connectivity to key economic hubs in West Bengal. This change is significant for businesses, logistics companies, and government agencies involved in transportation and infrastructure development in the region, with the potential to improve transportation efficiency and stimulate economic growth. Further information may be needed for a complete understanding of this policy.

Key Entities Referenced