Publication of user fee notification

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Fee Collection Notification S.O. 3022(E) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification S.O. 3022(E), dated 22nd August 2019, concerning fee collection for the Kanaktora to Jharsugada section of National Highway number 49 (old NH200). The core purpose of this amendment is to relocate the fee plaza from km 62.100 (Design Chainage km 256.552) near Nuadeeh village to km 25.200 near Govindpur village. Key findings indicate this change is in response to a decision by the Competent Authority and involves extending the original timeline for relocation. The amendment affects the location where fees are collected for use of the specified highway section, directly impacting commuters and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide a detailed analysis of the amendment to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification S.O. 3022(E) based on the provided text. The report outlines the changes implemented, the rationale behind them (as inferred from the document), and the likely impact of the amendment. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Being Amended:** Notification S.O. 3022(E) dated 22nd August 2019, authorizing NHAI to collect fees for the use of the Kanaktora to Jharsugada section of National Highway number 49 (old NH200). * **Core Objective(s) of Original Policy (Inferred):** The original policy aimed to establish a mechanism for collecting fees to recover costs associated with the construction and maintenance of the specified section of National Highway 49 (old NH200) **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment is prompted by the need to relocate the fee plaza. The text mentions the "Competent Authority" has decided to shift the fee plaza from its original location at km 62.100 (Design Chainage km 256.552) to km 25.200. Furthermore, the amendment includes "approval for extension of one year for relocation of existing fee plaza as per Rule 8 of the said rules." This suggests that there may have been delays in the planned relocation, necessitating an extension and formal amendment to the original notification. The phrase "temporary fee plaza" also suggests that the original location was never intended to be permanent. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment specifically modifies the location of the fee plaza. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment targets Table 2, 3, and 4, specifying the location of the fee plaza. It also revises the paragraph below Table 2 regarding the temporary nature of the initial fee plaza location. * **New Rule/Provision:** The fee plaza location is changed from "At km. 62.100 Design Chainage at km. 256.552 near Nuadeeh Village in Jharsugada district in Odisha State" to "At km. 25.200 near Govindpur Village in Lakhanpur Tehsil in Jharsugada district in Odisha State". In addition, the Competent Authority granted a one year extension for the relocation. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The primary effect of this change is the physical relocation of the toll collection point. This will directly impact the travel patterns and fee payment locations for users of the Kanaktora to Jharsugada section of National Highway 49 (old NH200). It appears NHAI was originally given a three-year period from 22.08.2019 to relocate the fee plaza, and that time has been extended by one year. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * **Directly Affected:** * Commuters using the Kanaktora to Jharsugada section of National Highway 49 (old NH200). * The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), responsible for implementing the fee collection and managing the highway. * Contractor(s) involved in fee collection, if applicable. * **Indirectly Affected:** * Residents of Nuadeeh village and Govindpur village, due to potential traffic and economic impacts associated with the fee plaza locations. * Businesses operating along the highway, as toll costs may affect transportation expenses. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for implementing the change. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the issuing authority. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment indicates that the new fee plaza location is effective from 21.08.2022. There is also a statement that the relocation should have happened within three years of 22.08.2019 but has now been granted a one year extension. * **Implementation Aspects Related to the Changes:** NHAI will need to establish infrastructure and processes for fee collection at the new location (km 25.200). This includes setting up toll booths, deploying staff, and implementing systems for electronic toll collection (if applicable). **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The likely intended outcome of this change is to optimize fee collection and possibly improve traffic flow or accessibility. The new location was chosen for a reason (presumably accessibility, enforcement, or traffic management), and the relocation will likely improve some aspect of this. This is conjecture, though. The extension also allows NHAI time to correctly implement this change. * The relocation of the fee plaza may impact travel times and costs for commuters depending on where they enter or exit the highway section. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to Notification S.O. 3022(E) signifies a change in the operational aspects of fee collection on the Kanaktora to Jharsugada section of National Highway 49 (old NH200). The relocation of the fee plaza from km 62.100 to km 25.200 is the key alteration, impacting commuters and requiring implementation efforts from NHAI. This change indicates a planned, rather than reactive, response to infrastructure needs, albeit one that required a one-year extension. Further details regarding the specific reasons behind the relocation and the broader strategy for highway management in the region would provide a more complete understanding of the amendment's significance.

Key Entities Referenced