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 notified in the Gazette of India on August 3, 2022. The amendment, identified by S.O. 3645(E), focuses on modifying the description of National Highway No. 73 (formerly serial number 212) within the Schedule of the Act. The amendment primarily updates the route description of NH-73 to reflect current connectivity through specific towns and junctions in the state of Karnataka. The key finding is a detailed change in the NH-73 route, impacting road users, local administrations, and development along that corridor. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, based solely on the notification published in the Gazette of India on August 3, 2022. The purpose is to inform stakeholders about the specific changes introduced by this amendment, their potential implications, and associated implementation aspects as discernible from the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment To:** National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956), specifically the notification published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Subsection ii vide number S.O 689 E, dated, the 4th April, 2011. This notification originally substituted the Schedule to the Act. * **Core Objective(s):** To update the official description of National Highway No. 73 within the Schedule of the National Highways Act, likely to reflect current road infrastructure and connectivity. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is an amendment to an existing Act. The reason for the amendment appears to be to accurately reflect the current route and connectivity of National Highway No. 73. Roads get upgraded, re-routed, and new spurs get added. Accurate legal descriptions are vital for land acquisition, planning, and development activities. The amendment likely addresses discrepancies between the original route description and the present reality on the ground. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment focuses on modifying the Schedule to the National Highways Act, 1956 by changing the description of "National Highway No. 73". * **Specific Part Changed:** The entry corresponding to serial number 212 (previously related to a National Highway, now corresponding to NH-73) in the Schedule of the National Highways Act, 1956 is being replaced. * **New Rule/Provision:** The *new* description for National Highway No. 73 is: "The highway starting from its junction with NH66 near Mangaluru connecting Bantval, Beltangadi, Mudigere, Belur, Banavar, Arsikere and terminating at its junction with NH48 near Tumkur including spur starting from its junction near Ujire connecting Dharmastala and terminating at its junction with NH75 near Periyashanthi in the State of Karnataka." * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The amendment provides a more detailed and geographically specific description of the NH-73 route. This includes listing the towns it connects and detailing a spur route from Ujire connecting Dharmastala. The effect is a more legally precise definition of NH-73, which impacts land use, development, and regulatory activities along the defined corridor. The earlier route information is replaced with this updated definition. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * **Road Users:** The amendment formally defines the route of NH-73, which is important for travelers and logistics companies. * **Landowners and Residents:** Along the NH-73 corridor, as the defined route impacts land acquisition and development regulations. * **Local and State Governments:** Specifically, governmental bodies responsible for road maintenance, infrastructure development, and land use planning in the State of Karnataka. * **Businesses:** That depend on the ease of transit and infrastructure along that route. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is responsible for implementing the amendment. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of publication (August 3, 2022). Specific procedures for updating maps, land records, and other official documents to reflect the new route definition will likely be initiated by relevant government agencies. * **Amendment Specific Implementation:** The change requires the ministry to update records and maps of the Indian Highway system. This will also require coordination with the State of Karnataka to update their corresponding records. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to: * Provide a clear and legally sound definition of the NH-73 route, reducing ambiguity and potential disputes related to land acquisition and infrastructure development. * Facilitate efficient planning and execution of road maintenance and improvement projects along the NH-73 corridor. * Enable better land use planning and regulation along the defined route. * The amended route provides a clearer picture of where development and maintenance must occur. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, concerning the description of National Highway No. 73, is a technical but important update. It reflects likely on-the-ground changes to the highway and provides a clear legal definition of its route. This change is significant for road users, landowners, government agencies, and businesses operating along the NH-73 corridor in Karnataka. The updated route definition is critical for future planning, development, and regulatory activities related to this key transportation artery.

Key Entities Referenced