P and M File

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, dated July 7, 2022, which constitutes an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956. The amendment specifically modifies the description of National Highway No. 111. The core purpose is to update and redefine the route of NH-111, likely to reflect changes in infrastructure or planning. The key finding is a detailed change in the highway's path between Chennai and Kanyakumari, impacting areas in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of the amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, as detailed in Notification S.O. 3123(E) published on July 7, 2022. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Being Amended:** National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956), specifically amended by notification number S.O. 689 (E), dated April 4, 2011, and further amended by notification number S.O. 3049(E), dated July 5, 2022. * **Core Objective(s) (Inferred):** The original Act aims to regulate and manage national highways. This specific amendment aims to update the defined route of National Highway No. 111. **4. Background and Rationale:** The likely reason for this specific amendment is to reflect changes in road construction, infrastructure development, or revised route planning for National Highway No. 111. The previous description of the highway (before this amendment) is no longer accurate, necessitating the update. This amendment ensures the official record reflects the current, operational route. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment *substitutes* the description of National Highway No. 111. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The "Schedule" of the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically "serial number 6A and entries relating thereto." * **New Rule/Provision:** The amended notification provides a new, detailed description of NH-111, which outlines a specific route, "The highway starting from its junction with NH48 near Chennai connecting Chengalpattu, Tindivanam, Puducherry, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Karaikul Puducherry, Nagapatinam, Vellankanni, Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupettai, Adirampattinam, Kottaipattinam, Kattumavadi, Thondi, Devipattinam, 111 32 Ramanathapuram bypass, Thiruppullani, Keelakarai, Ervadi, Valinokam, Sayalgudi, Vembar, Vaippar, Kulathoor, Veppalodai, Pattina, Maruthur, Tuticorin, Tiruchendur and terminating at its junction with NH44 near Kanyakumari in the State of Tamil Nadu." * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The prior route definition is completely replaced with this new definition. The effect is a newly defined route for NH-111, which specifies that the highway now connects Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tindivanam, Puducherry, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Karaikal, Nagapatinam, Vellankanni, Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupettai, Adirampattinam, Kottaipattinam, Kattumavadi, Thondi, Devipattinam, Ramanathapuram bypass, Thiruppullani, Keelakarai, Ervadi, Valinokam, Sayalgudi, Vembar, Vaippar, Kulathoor, Veppalodai, Pattina, Maruthur, Tuticorin, Tiruchendur and Kanyakumari. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders include: * **Residents and Businesses located along the NH-111 corridor:** The change in route may affect property values, accessibility, and economic activity. * **Transportation and Logistics Companies:** The redefined route impacts route planning and logistics operations. * **Road Construction and Maintenance Companies:** This notification gives these companies a guide on where to construct and maintain. * **Government Agencies (Central and State):** Specifically, those responsible for road development, regional planning, and transportation infrastructure in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the responsible agency. State governments and local authorities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will likely be involved in implementing changes related to the new route. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The text does not specify timelines or procedures. These would likely be detailed in separate implementation guidelines or directives. The immediate effect is the official recognition of the changed highway route. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to: * **Provide an accurate legal description of NH-111:** This clarifies the government's position on the highway's route. * **Facilitate better planning and development:** Accurate route definition allows for more effective infrastructure planning and development along the corridor. * **Improve transportation efficiency:** Presumably, the amended route reflects improvements that enhance transportation efficiency. * **Enable better navigation:** Providing a clear route definition of the Highway. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, concerning National Highway No. 111, represents an update to reflect the current route of the highway. This change impacts stakeholders along the NH-111 corridor and those involved in transportation, logistics, and infrastructure development in the region. The accurate legal description of the highway is crucial for future planning, development, and transportation efficiency.

Key Entities Referenced