P and M File

## Report on Amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a specific amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, as published in the Gazette of India on July 7, 2022. The amendment, through notification S.O. 3113(E), modifies the schedule of the Act by substituting the entry for serial number 49, effectively redefining the route and description of National Highway No. 16. The core purpose is to update and clarify the path of NH16. The key finding is a detailed specification of the highway's route through multiple states. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, as published on July 7, 2022, focusing specifically on the changes introduced regarding National Highway No. 16. This analysis is based solely on the text of the provided notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment To:** National Highways Act, 1956. The original schedule of the National Highways Act, 1956 was substituted on April 4, 2011, and previously amended on June 28, 2022. * **Core Objective(s):** To define and officially recognize the route and specifications of National Highway No. 16. The provided text indicates a core objective of defining or updating the route of NH16 to reflect current realities or planned infrastructure development. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment appears designed to clarify or update the official description of National Highway No. 16. It is likely that the previous description no longer accurately reflected the highway's actual route, possibly due to infrastructure development, road realignments, or changes in naming conventions. The change ensures accurate documentation for planning, construction, and legal purposes. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment substitutes the original entry for serial number 49 in the schedule of the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Specific Part Changed:** The description of National Highway No. 16 in the schedule. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new description specifies the following route for NH16: "The highway starting from its junction with NH19 near Kolkata connecting Kharagpur in the State of West Bengal, Baleshwar and Bhubaneshwar in the State of Orissa, Anandapuram, Pendurthi, Anakapalli including Anandapuram Vishakapatnam City Aganampudi Anakapalli, Rajahmundary, Deverapalli, Gondugolanu, Vijayawada, Nellore in the State of Andhra Pradesh and terminating at its junction with NH48 near Chennai in the State of Tamil Nadu." * **Difference/Effect:** The new description provides a highly detailed route, naming specific cities and junctions along the way. The previous description (not provided) was presumably less precise, or did not include these specifics. This enhances clarity and reduces potential ambiguity related to the precise path of NH16. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience includes: * **Construction Companies:** That bid on projects to improve the road. * **Logistics Companies:** That use the road to move goods. * **State Governments of West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu:** Specifically, departments responsible for road maintenance, infrastructure development, and regional planning. * **Citizens of West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu:** Residents who would benefit from more efficient roads for economic development and commute. * **The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:** The central agency responsible for national highways. * **Land Owners:** Whose properties might be impacted by any road construction or expansion along the route. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is responsible for implementing the amendment. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The text itself doesn't specify any explicit timelines or procedures related to the implementation of the change. * **Amendment-Specific Implementation:** Implementation primarily involves updating official records, maps, and databases to reflect the new description of NH16. This information will likely be disseminated to relevant government departments and potentially made available to the public. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this change is improved clarity and accuracy in defining the route of NH16. The specific changes should lead to: * **Enhanced Planning:** Facilitating better planning for infrastructure projects, road maintenance, and traffic management along NH16. * **Reduced Ambiguity:** Minimizing potential disputes or confusion regarding the highway's exact route. * **Improved Navigation:** Enabling more precise navigation for travelers and logistics companies. * **Streamlined Legal Processes:** Providing a clear legal basis for land acquisition, environmental regulations, and other relevant legal matters. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, concerning National Highway No. 16, constitutes a significant update in the official documentation of the highway's route. By providing a detailed description of the highway's path through West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, the amendment aims to enhance clarity, facilitate planning, and improve navigation for all stakeholders. This clarification is essential for efficient infrastructure development and streamlined legal processes related to this crucial national highway.

Key Entities Referenced