P AND M File

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on June 16, 2022, which amends the National Highways Act, 1956. Specifically, this amendment modifies the description of National Highway No. 146B (Serial Number 343) in the Schedule of the Act. The core purpose of this amendment, as inferred from the text, is to provide an updated and more accurate description of the highway's route. This report details the specific changes, the potential impact on stakeholders, and implementation aspects based on the provided notification. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an analysis of a notification (S.O. 2773(E)) published on June 16, 2022, by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which introduces an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification and aims to inform affected parties about the changes made to the description of a specific National Highway. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** National Highways Act, 1956 * **Core Objective:** The core objective of the original Act is to provide for the declaration of certain highways to be national highways and for matters connected therewith. As interpreted from the text, the amendment’s objective is to ensure accuracy and clarity in the description of national highway routes. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956. The rationale for *this specific amendment* is likely due to a need to clarify or update the route description of National Highway No. 146B. The original description (as it appeared under Serial Number 343 in the Schedule) was deemed insufficient or inaccurate, potentially leading to confusion in planning, construction, or maintenance activities. The amendment aims to rectify this by providing a more detailed and precise description of the highway's route. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment *specifically* alters the Schedule of the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Specific Part Changed:** The entry for Serial Number 343 relating to National Highway No. 146B is being substituted. * **New Rule/Provision:** The original description of National Highway No. 146B is replaced with the following: > "The highway starting from its junction with NH46 near Budhni connecting Kosmi, Rehti, Nasrullahganj and terminating at its junction with NH47 near Sandalpur and again starting from its junction with NH46 near Budhni connecting Baktara and terminating at its junction with NH45 near Badi in the state of Madhya Pradesh." * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The amendment provides a more detailed route description. The new description clarifies the starting and ending points, along with the intermediate locations (Kosmi, Rehti, Nasrullahganj, Baktara, and Badi) connected by the highway, as well as the specific National Highways (NH46, NH47 and NH45) the highway intersects. It explicitly mentions that the highway consists of two segments: one connecting Budhni to Sandalpur, and another connecting Budhni to Badi. This change likely aims to improve the accuracy and usability of the information for stakeholders involved in road construction, planning, and transportation. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * **Construction companies:** Involved in the construction and maintenance of National Highway 146B. * **Transportation companies:** Utilizing the highway for logistics and transportation purposes. * **Local authorities and government agencies:** Responsible for planning and development in the areas surrounding National Highway 146B (specifically in Madhya Pradesh). * **Landowners and businesses:** Located along the amended route of National Highway 146B. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the responsible agency for implementing this amendment. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of its publication (June 16, 2022). The amendment requires immediate implementation, meaning that all future activities related to National Highway 146B must adhere to the updated route description. Further procedures are not stated within the text. * **Amendment-Specific Implementation:** Agencies involved in highway planning and development will need to update their records and maps to reflect the new route description of NH-146B. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is a more precise and unambiguous definition of the route of National Highway 146B. The likely impact of this change includes: * **Improved Planning and Construction:** Clear route definitions facilitate better planning and execution of highway construction and maintenance projects. * **Reduced Ambiguity:** The detailed route description minimizes potential disputes or uncertainties regarding the highway's path. * **Enhanced Transportation Efficiency:** An accurate route definition can contribute to more efficient transportation and logistics operations. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, as detailed in notification S.O. 2773(E), represents a refinement to the existing framework by providing a more accurate description of National Highway 146B. This change, while seemingly minor, is significant because it provides clarity to stakeholders involved in planning, construction, and usage of the highway. Its impact will primarily be felt in Madhya Pradesh, where the highway is located, and is crucial for effective infrastructure management and transportation planning.

Key Entities Referenced