PandM file in the State Rajasthan

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 Regarding NH No. 148B **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically focusing on changes to the description of National Highway No. 148B as outlined in Notification S.O. 4911(E), dated October 17, 2022. The amendment modifies the route and connectivity details of NH 148B, affecting transportation and infrastructure planning in the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab. This report details the specific changes and their potential implications for affected stakeholders. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide a detailed analysis of the amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, as published in the Gazette of India on October 17, 2022, concerning National Highway No. 148B. This analysis is based solely on the information provided in the given policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Being Amended:** National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956), specifically the schedule as substituted vide notification number S.O. 689E, dated 4th April 2011 and subsequently amended vide notification number S.O. 3851E, dated 17th August 2022. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective of the broader National Highways Act appears to be defining and managing the national highway network of India. This specific amendment aims to refine the definition of NH 148B. **4. Background and Rationale:** The provided text suggests the reason for this specific amendment is to clarify and refine the route description of National Highway No. 148B. The amendment replaces the existing description of the highway with a more detailed specification of its route, potentially addressing issues with the previous description or reflecting completed/planned infrastructure developments. It is likely the original description was either inaccurate or outdated and needed to be corrected or updated to reflect the current, planned, or newly constructed route. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This section focuses specifically on the changes introduced by the amendment text. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Being Changed:** The schedule to the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically the entry for serial number 314, which describes the route of NH 148B. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amended rule replaces the previous description of NH 148B with the following: * The highway starts from its junction with new NH No. 48 near Kotputli in Rajasthan, connecting (excluding Narnaul, Mahendergarh, Charkhi Dadri section) Bhiwani, Hansi, Barwala, Tohana in Haryana, Mansa and terminating at its junction with NH 54 near Bathinda in Punjab. * The highway again starts from its junction with new NH No. 48 at Kherki Mukkar village near Kotputli connecting Khairthal, Alwar and terminating at its junction with NE 4 near Village Butiyana in Rajasthan. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The amendment provides a more detailed and geographically specific description of the highway's route. This change likely aims to clarify the exact path of NH 148B, including specific towns and junctions along its route. The explicit exclusion of the Narnaul, Mahendergarh, Charkhi Dadri section is noteworthy and suggests this section is either not part of NH 148B or is managed separately. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the target audience and stakeholders directly affected by these changes include: * **Residents and businesses located along the revised route of NH 148B in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab:** The amended route definition impacts transportation, logistics, and potentially land use planning in these areas. * **Transportation and logistics companies:** These companies will need to adjust their route planning based on the revised definition of NH 148B. * **Government agencies responsible for road maintenance and development in the affected states:** These agencies will need to update their records and plans to reflect the new route definition. * **Infrastructure developers:** The explicit delineation of the route provides clarity for future infrastructure projects. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the responsible body for issuing the notification and overseeing the implementation of the National Highways Act. State government agencies in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab will likely be involved in the on-the-ground implementation. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of its publication (October 17, 2022). The text doesn't explicitly mention specific timelines or procedures for implementation beyond updating relevant records and plans. However, agencies are expected to incorporate these changes into their planning and management activities. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these specific changes is to provide a clearer and more accurate definition of NH 148B's route. This clarification should lead to: * Improved route planning and navigation for transportation companies and individuals. * More efficient allocation of resources for road maintenance and development. * Reduced ambiguity regarding the highway's route, potentially minimizing disputes or confusion. * More accurate mapping and GIS data for government and private sector applications. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, concerning NH 148B represents a refinement in the definition of this specific highway's route. By providing a more detailed and geographically specific description, the amendment is likely to improve transportation planning, resource allocation, and overall management of the national highway network in the affected states. The revised route description necessitates that stakeholders update their records and practices to align with the updated policy. This is a significant update for the transportation industry.

Key Entities Referenced