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 (S.O. 2435(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on June 21, 2021. The amendment modifies the schedule of the original act by substituting the description of National Highway (NH) No. 564, which is now designated as NE-5. This change details a new expressway under construction connecting Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. The report outlines the details of this change, its likely rationale, and potential impact on the targeted regions. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide information and analysis regarding the amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, as per the notification S.O. 2435(E) issued on June 21, 2021. This analysis is based solely on the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Being Amended:** The National Highways Act, 1956, as amended by notification S.O. 689(E) dated April 4, 2011. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective remains the same which is the development and management of National Highways. The amendment focuses on specifically delineating a new expressway as part of this network. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment likely aims to incorporate a newly constructed or planned expressway into the National Highways network. The original description of NH-564 was deemed insufficient or outdated, and this amendment provides a precise route and connectivity for the expressway currently under construction. This suggests a need to update the highway network's legal definition to reflect infrastructure development and improve connectivity across Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is an amendment to the original policy. The provided text focuses *specifically* on changes. * **Specific Part of the Original Policy Being Changed:** The schedule of the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically the entry related to Serial Number 564 (which was the original NH 564). * **New Rule/Provision:** The original description of National Highway 564 is replaced by a detailed description of a new expressway, now designated as NE-5, which is under construction. The expressway starts from its junction with the Kundli Manesar Palwal (KMP) expressway near Jasaur Kheri village in Haryana, connects various towns and cities in Haryana and Punjab, and terminates at its junction with NH No. 144 near Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. The text provides a detailed list of the connecting villages and major cities. * **Difference/Effect of this Change:** The amendment effectively re-designates and redefines the route previously known as NH 564. The impact is that the specific expressway under construction is now officially recognized as part of the national highway network (NE-5), providing it with the legal framework of the National Highways Act. It also provides a clear and updated description for planning, development, and maintenance purposes. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * Construction companies involved in the expressway project. * Logistics and transportation companies operating in the region. * Residents and businesses located along the expressway route in Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. * Government agencies responsible for road development and maintenance, particularly the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. * Landowners along the route of the new expressway. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the responsible agency. * **Timelines or Procedures:** No specific timelines or procedures are mentioned in the provided text. The implementation depends on the progress of the expressway construction. * The key implementation aspect directly related to the amendment is the official recognition and mapping of the new expressway (NE-5) within the National Highways network. This recognition likely triggers the application of relevant regulations and funding mechanisms under the National Highways Act. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to facilitate the development and management of the new expressway (NE-5). The specific changes introduced by the amendment text are expected to have the following impacts: * Clear legal status for the expressway, enabling smooth implementation of projects and regulations. * Improved connectivity and transportation efficiency between Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. * Potential economic benefits for the regions connected by the expressway due to improved accessibility. * Increased land value and development opportunities along the expressway route. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, through notification S.O. 2435(E), is a significant step in formally incorporating the under-construction expressway (NE-5) into the national highway network. This change clarifies the route and provides a legal framework for the development, maintenance, and operation of this critical infrastructure project, which in turn has a cascading positive impact in the region.

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