P AND M FILES

## Report on Amendments to National Highways Policy **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes two notifications issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, both dated May 27, 2022. The first notification (S.O. 2402E) amends a previous notification (S.O. 2482 E, dated August 4, 2017) concerning the Joshimath-Mana Village section of a national highway in Uttarakhand, extending the section's endpoint to the Indo-China border. The second notification (S.O. 2403E) designates the Border Roads Organization (BRO) responsible for the development and maintenance of specified stretches of National Highways 134A and 107B in Uttarakhand. These amendments suggest a focus on improving connectivity to remote border regions and clarifying responsibilities for road development and maintenance. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an analysis of two notifications published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on May 27, 2022, concerning modifications to national highway projects and assigning responsibilities for their development and maintenance. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the notification texts. **3. Policy Overview:** * This analysis focuses on two amendments to existing policies related to National Highways. * **Core Objective(s) (inferred):** * **Amendment 1 (S.O. 2402E):** To extend a specific highway section to improve connectivity to the Indo-China border. * **Amendment 2 (S.O. 2403E):** To clearly assign responsibility for development and maintenance of specific national highway stretches to the Border Roads Organization. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Amendment 1 (S.O. 2402E):** The amendment likely addresses the need for improved infrastructure connectivity to the Indo-China border. The initial policy likely terminated prior to the border, and this extension appears to address strategic or logistical requirements related to border access. * **Amendment 2 (S.O. 2403E):** This amendment suggests a need for specialized expertise or resources in developing and maintaining the specified highway stretches. The Border Roads Organization's involvement indicates potentially challenging terrain or strategic importance of these routes. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Amendment 1 (S.O. 2402E):** * **Specific Part Changed:** Table entry related to "Joshimath including Joshimath bypass Mana Village Section." * **New Rule/Provision:** The endpoint of the Joshimath section is extended from Km 528.00 (Mana Village Section) to Km 580.600 (Mana Pass Indo China border Section). * **Effect of Change:** The highway section is lengthened, expanding its reach to the Indo-China border. This likely involves additional construction, maintenance, and potential land acquisition along the extended route. * **Amendment 2 (S.O. 2403E):** * **Specific Part Changed:** This amendment introduces a new provision rather than modifying an existing one. * **New Rule/Provision:** The Border Roads Organization, under the Border Road Development Board, is designated as responsible for the development and maintenance of the following stretches: * National Highway 134A: Bhairoghati Nelong Naga Angar PDA Medikay Section Km 0.00 to Km 70.000 * National Highway 107B: Joshimath Malari Section Km 0.00 to Km 63.200 * **Effect of Change:** Establishes clear responsibility for road development and maintenance with a specific organization, the Border Roads Organization. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the following are directly affected: * **Construction and Engineering Companies:** Potentially involved in the highway extension and BRO-managed projects. * **Border Roads Organization:** Responsible for development and maintenance of the specified highway sections. * **Local Communities in Uttarakhand:** Affected by land acquisition, construction activities, and improved connectivity. * **Logistics and Transportation Companies:** Utilizing these highways for movement of goods and personnel. * **Defense and Security Agencies:** Concerned with infrastructure development along the Indo-China border. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Road Transport and Highways * Border Roads Organization (under Border Road Development Board) * **Timelines/Procedures:** The text doesn't provide specific timelines or procedures. * **Amendment-Specific Implementation:** * Amendment 1 necessitates surveying, planning, and construction activities for the extended section. * Amendment 2 requires coordination between the Ministry and the BRO for resource allocation, project planning, and execution. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **Amendment 1 (S.O. 2402E):** The intended outcome is likely improved connectivity to the Indo-China border, potentially facilitating trade, tourism, and/or military logistics. The amendment expands road access and may reduce travel times. * **Amendment 2 (S.O. 2403E):** The expected outcome is efficient and effective development and maintenance of the designated highway stretches. Assigning responsibility to the BRO likely aims to leverage their expertise in challenging terrain and strategic regions, resulting in better road quality and reliability. **9. Conclusion:** The amendments to the National Highways policy, detailed in notifications S.O. 2402E and S.O. 2403E, reflect the government's focus on improving infrastructure connectivity to remote border regions and ensuring efficient road development and maintenance. The extension of the Joshimath highway section and the designation of the Border Roads Organization as a responsible agency are significant steps towards achieving these objectives. These changes have the potential to positively impact trade, tourism, security, and the overall development of the region.

Key Entities Referenced