A. NATIONAL HIGHWAYS: CONSTRUCTION & ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Road Network in the Country: India has about 66.71 lakh km of road network, which is the second largest in the world.

The length of various categories of roads is as under:

• National Highways: 1,46,145 km
• State Highways: 1,79,535 km
• Other Roads: 63,45,403 km

National Highways play a very important role in the economic and social development of the country by enabling efficient movement of freight and passengers and improving access to markets. MoRTH and its implementing agencies have undertaken multiple initiatives in last 9 years to augment the capacity of the National Highway infrastructure in India.

2. National Highway Network

• National Highway (NH) network increased by ~60% from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,145 km in year 2023

The length of National Highways (year-wise) is tabulated below:

                                (Source- “Basic Road Statistics of India)

Length Constructed: MoRTH constructed 5248 km of National Highways. (Provisional figures).

The pace of National Highways (NH) construction has increased consistently between 2014-15 and 2023-24 due to the systematic push through corridor-based National Highway development approach.

2. Bharatmala Pariyojana: The Bharatmala Pariyojana was launched with the primary focus on optimizing the efficiency of the movement of goods and people across the country. Phase I of the Bharatmala Pariyojana approved in October 2017, focuses on bridging critical infrastructure gaps through development of 34,800 km of National Highways. The Pariyojana emphasised a “corridor based National Highway development” to ensure infrastructure symmetry and consistent road user experience. The key components of the Pariyojana are Economic Corridors development, Inter-corridor and feeder routes development, National Corridors Efficiency Improvement, Border, and International Connectivity Roads, Coastal and Port Connectivity Roads and Expressways.

Status of Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase 1:

The status of Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase 1 entails a total length of 34,800 km in 31 States and UTs, 550+ Districts. The length awarded is 27,384 km and the length constructed is 15,045 km.

The phase 1 is to be completed by 27-28.

3. Relief for Contractors/Developers of the Road Sector in view of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Ministry provided/extended the relief measures in view of the Covid-19 pandemic:

(i) Extension of relaxation in Schedule H/G till 31^st March 2024 to improve the liquidity of funds available with the Contractors and Concessionaire.

(ii) Arrangement regarding direct payment to approved Sub-Contractor through Escrow Account may be continued till 31^st March 2024 or the completion of the work by the Sub-Contractor, whichever is earlier.

(iii) Reduction of Performance Security/release of retention money: Reduction of Performance Security/release of retention money: This Ministry has already decided to reduce Performance Security from existing 5–10 % to 3% of the value of the contract for all existing contracts (excluding the contracts under dispute wherein arbitration/court proceedings have already been started or are completed). All tenders/contracts issued/ concluded till 31.03.2024 should also have the provision of reduced performance security. However, in order to ensure the quality of work being executed, the Ministry will advise all project executing agencies to ensure that in case of abnormally low bids (ALBs), additional performance security is realized as per the latest guidelines provided by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of finance. Retention money is a part of the Performance Security till the construction period. Hence, the release of retention money may be continued in proportion to the work already executed and no reduction of retention money may be made from the Bills raised by the Contractor till 31.03.2024.

For HAM/BOT Contracts, a Performance Guarantee may be released on a pro-rata basis, as provided in the Contract if Concessionaire is not in breach of the Contract.

Changes in the Model Concessionaire Agreement (MCA) & Request for Proposal (RFP) of the road construction models: -

(i) Change in MCA for HAM projects to allow for flexible pavement including structures. Changes have been made in the RFP and MCA of HAM project to allow Lowest Quoted Bid Project Cost (BPC) as the basis for awarding HAM Project and cost to be fixed as in EPC projects. The changes in Clause 23.7 of MCA of HAM project issued by MoRTH included following three categories:

a) For flexible perpetual pavement including structures

b) For rigid pavement with 10-year maintenance period including structures

c) For stand-alone Bridges/Tunnel works

(ii) Inclusions of provisions regarding accepting Insurance Surety Bonds and e-bank guarantee as “Bid Security and Performance Security” in standard documents of EPC, HAM, and BOT (Toll):

Department of Expenditure vide Office Memorandum No. F. 1/4/2022-PPD dated 05.08.2022 made amendments in the Rule 170(i) and Rule 171(i) of General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017 to include e-bank guarantee as a means to accept Bid Security and Performance Security. Further, Department of Expenditure had amended Rule 170 (i) and Rule 171 (i) of GFR, 2017 to accept provision of Insurance Surety Bond as a mean of ‘Bid.

Security’ and ‘Performance Security’ vide OM dated 02.02.2022. The latest Circular issued by Department of Expenditure, O.M No. F. 1/2/2023- PPD dated 03.04.2023, also provides for Insurance Surety Bonds and e-bank guarantee as possible means of furnishing Performance Security. In view of this, necessary amendments were made in the standard documents of EPC, HAM, and BoT (Toll) by the Ministry.

4. Asset Monetization:

1. TOT Model – Under this model, the right of collection of user fee (toll) in respect of selected operational highways constructed through public funding are assigned through a concession agreement as a result of bidding. For a specified period of 15-30 years to the Concessionaire against upfront payment of a lump-sum amount quoted to the Government/NHAI. During the concession period, the responsibility for operations and maintenance of the road assets rests with the Concessionaire. Since its launch in 2018, NHAI has successfully completed 6 rounds of the Road Asset (bundle of roads) of monetization through TOT mode and raised Rs. 26,366 crores. LoAs are issued under ToT bundles 11, 12, 13 & 14 and realization of Rs 15,968 Cr concession fee is expected in FY 2023-24. It is also pertinent to mention here that LoAs for these 4 TOT Bundles were issued by NHAI within one day of opening of the respective Financial bids.  Total asset monetization under this model is expected to be Rs 42,334 Cr by the end of FY 2023-24.  

2. InVIT Model – NHAI has set up an InvIT under the SEBI InvIT Regulations, 2014, in which NHAI is having 16% stake apart from main investors (CPPIB, OTPP etc.). InvIT is a pooled investment vehicle that issues units to investors, while having three entities for management of the Trust – Trustee, Investment Manager and Project Manager. The three entities have defined roles and responsibilities under the SEBI Regulations. Two rounds (635 km) were taken up and finalised. Under this model, concession fee of Rs.10,200 crores has been realized so far.  Rs.15,000 crore is expected to be realized in FY 2023-24 through another round.

3.  Securitization through SPV Model – A SPV/DME (100% owned by NHAI), has been created by bundling road assets under consideration and securitizing the future user fee from the road assets. NHAI will collect tolls, maintain the road assets and periodically transfer payments to the SPV sufficient for servicing debt obligations at the SPV level. About Rs.37,000 crore has already been raised through this method (DME- Delhi Mumbai Expressway) by NHAI so far. Another, Rs.6,000 crore is expected to be raised under this model in FY 2023-24.

B. MAJOR EVENTS OF 2023

(i) INAUGURATIONS / LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONE BY PRIME MINISTER SHRI NARENDRA MODI

(Total: Rs. 59,650 Cr. approx.)

• Delhi-Vadodara Expressway: The Hon’ble Prime Minister dedicated to the nation 244.50 km long stretch of Delhi-Vadodara Expressway developed at a cost of about Rs. 11 ,895 crore on 2^nd October 2023.

• Hyderabad – Visakhapatnam Corridor: The Hon’ble Prime Minister dedicated to the nation a road project ‘four laning of 59 km long Suryapet to Khammam section of NH-365BB’ built at a cost of about Rs.2,460 crore. ‘Ihe project is a part of Hyderabad – Visakhapatnam Corridor and is developed under Bharat Mala Pariyojana. It will provide better connectivity to Khammam district and coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh.

• Nagpur -Vijayawada Economic Corridor: The Hon’ble Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of key road projects that are part of Nagpur -Vijayawada Economic Corridor. The projects include – 108 km long ‘four – lane access controlled Greenfield highway from Warangal to Khammam section of NH-163G and 90 km long ‘four-lane access controlled greenfield highway from Khammam to Vijayawada section of NH-163G. These road projects will be developed at a total cost of about Rs 6400 crores. The projects will reduce travel distance between Warangal and Khammam by about 14 km; and between Khammam and Vijayawada by about 27 km.

• Multi-Model Logistics Park in Indore: The Hon’ble Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a Multi-Model Logistics Park in Indore which will give a push to the industrial growth of Madhya Pradesh.

• Foundation Stone laying for Karnataka Section of Six Lane Surat – Chennai Expressway (1270 Km): Hon’ble Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for two greenfield sections of Surat Chennai Expressway at Kodekal, Yadgir district of Karnataka. Length of these two expressway sections are 65.5 km and 71 km. They will be developed at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 2,100 crore respectively. These greenfield sections will help in reducing the travel time between Akkalkot in Maharashtra and Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh to just three hours from the current eight hours.

• The nation 246-km Delhi-Dausa-Lalsot Section of Delhi Mumbai Expressway on 12^th February 2023. This will reduce the travel time from the National Capital to Jaipur substantially. Tourism spots like Sariska, Keoladeo National Park, Ranthambore and Jaipur will draw huge benefits from this Expressway. He also laid the foundation stone for 247 km of National Highways projects to be developed at a cost of more than Rs 5,940 crore. This includes four- lane spur road from Bandikui to Jaipur, a six-lane spur road from Kotputli to Baraodaneo and two-lane paved shoulder of Lalsot-Karoli Section.

• Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway and Mysuru-Kushalnagar 4-lane highway: Hon’ble Prime Minister dedicated 118 km long Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway to the nation and laid the foundation stone for the 92 km Mysuru-Kushalnagar 4-lane highway in Mandya, Karnataka on 12^th March 2023. Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, developed at a cost of Rs.8,480 crore, will reduce the travel time between Bengaluru and Mysuru from three hours to about 75 minutes and is expected to spur socio-economic development in the region. Mysore-Kushalnagar four-lane highway, to be developed at a cost of Rs. 4,130 crores, will boost connectivity between Bengaluru and Kushalnagar.

• Passenger Ropeway from Varanasi Cantt. Station to Godowlia: Hon’ble Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Passenger Ropeway from Varanasi Cantt. Station to Godowlia to be developed at estimated cost of around Rs. 645 crores on 24^th March 2023. The ropeway system will be 3.85 km in length and facilitate ease of movement for the tourists, pilgrims, and residents of Varanasi.

• Inauguration and Foundation Stone laying of Projects by Hon’ble Prime Minister – Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of road projects worth about Rs.3,700 crores at Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He inaugurated 7.3 km long Elevated Corridor in Madurai City and 24.4 km long four-lane road of NH-785. He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of road projects on NH-744, Construction of these roads will boost inter-state connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Kerala and will ensure convenient journey for pilgrims visiting Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur and Sabrimala in Kerala.

• Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for upgradation of two lanes roads in Rajsamand and Udaipur. He also dedicated three National Highway projects to the nation including 114 km long six-lane Udaipur to Shamlaji section of NH- 48, 110 km long widening and strengthening of Bar-Bilara-Jodhpur Section of NH-25 to 4 lanes with paved shoulder and 47 km long two lanes with paved shoulder section of NH 58E. The construction of these National Highways will benefit Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara region.

• Foundation stones of five National Highway projects worth Rs. 6,400 crores were laid in Raipur on 07^th July 2023. These projects include 33 km long 4-lanning of the Raipur to Kodebod section on the Jabalpur-Jagadalpur National Highways; 53 km long 4-lane Bilaspur-Pathrapali stretch of Bilaspur to Ambikpaur section of NH-130;43 km long six-lane Jhanki-Sargi section on NH 130 CD; 57 km long six-lane Sargi-Basanwahi section on NH-130 CD and 25 km long six-lane Basanwahi-Marangpuri section of NH-130 CD. These projects will improve the connectivity and give a major thrust to socio-economic development of the region.

• Foundation stone of 176 km long National Highway projects worth Rs. 5,500 crores was laid in the Warangal on 08^th July, 2023. The projects include 108 km long Mancherial Warangal section of Nagpur-Vijayawada Corridor and upgradation of the 68 km long Karimnagar Warangal section of NH-563 from the existing two-lane to a four- lane configuration.

(ii) INAUGURATIONS / LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONE BY MINISTER RT&H SHRI NITIN GADKARI

(Total: Rs. 1,31,993.68 Cr. approx.)

• Assam: Hon’ble Union Minister for Roads Transport and Highways inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 26 National Highway Projects with an investment of more than Rs. 17,500 Crore in Guwahati, Assam on 3lst October,2023. These projects include the Dibrugarh-Tinsukia-Ledo project, the Silchar to Lailapur section, NH-515 in Dhemaji District, NH-137, the Paikan to Guwahati Airport section.
• Inauguration of 18 National Highway projects in Madhva Pradesh bv Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated 18 National Highway projects worth Rs. 6800 crores with total length of 550 km in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. 665 meter 2-tane paved shoulder long bridge and footpath, built on Betwa river will improve the connectivity of Orchha, Jhansi, Tikamgarh. Construction of flyovers in Sagar City, Chhatarpur City and Gadhakota will solve the problem of traffic jam in these cities. The construction of Bhopal-Kanpur Economic Corridor will increase connectivity from Bhopal to Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj and Varanasi which will make transportation of cement and minerals easier and will also reduce logistic costs involved.

• Maharashtra: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid foundation stone for 9 National Highway Projects worth Rs. 3670 crores in Maharashtra comprising 5NH Projects of length 212 KM worth Rs.1575 crores at Nanded, 3 NH projects of length 75 km worth Rs. 1058 crores at Parbhani and 1NH project worth Rs.1037.4 crore at Hingoli. These projects will improve connectivity of Marathwada region with Telangana and Karnataka which will help in improving industrial and agricultural development, promoting tourism, and connecting religious places of the region.

• Shri Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated 7 National Highway projects worth Rs. 6500 crores in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. With the construction of Ballia Link Expressway, it will create better connectivity of Eastern Uttar Pradesh with Chhapra, Patna and Buxar Districts in Bihar. The greenfield road from Chandauli to Mohania will provide connectivity to Chandauli in Uttar Pradesh and Kaimur District of Bihar through the Delhi- Kolkata GT Road. Construction of Saidpur to Mardah road will also give direct connectivity of Mau to Varanasi via Saidpur by which backward areas of Azamgarh will get new connectivity which will improve the economic and social condition of the region.
• 9 National Highway projects in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh: Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 9 National Highway projects worth Rs 3,500 crore in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh. These projects include construction of Jhansi Khajuraho Road, Kabrai section on the Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh border, road over bridge between Jhansi-Prayagraj, 4 laning of 258 km Ramvangaman road in Chitrakoot, 15 km long 4-lane bypass, 18 km long 4-lane bypass in Mahoba, 15 km 4-lane long bypass in Artara and 4-laning of 70 km stretch from Prayagrai to Mirzapur (NH-76E).

• Two National Highway projects worth Rs. 48 crores were inaugurated in Vadodara, on 2^nd June, 2023. Programme to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of NH projects worth Rs. 1450 crores were held in Assam on 5^th June, 2023.

• Inaugurated Shelad to Nandura project costing Rs. 816 crores on Amravati-Chikhali National Highway-53 at Khamgaon. Buldhana, was inaugurated on 11^th June 2023.

• Foundation stone of 5 NH projects worth Rs 2,200 crore in Pratapgarh region and 5 NH projects worth Rs 6,215 Crore in Deoria Region of Uttar Pradesh were laid on 12^th June 2023.

• Programme to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of National Highway projects worth Rs. 3,835 crores were held at Sonipat, Karnal and Ambala in Haryana on 20^th June, 2023. The projects include construction of 11 flyovers on 8-lane National Highway-44 from Delhi to Panipat in Sonipat at a cost of Rs 890 crore with a total length of 24 km; and Greenfield 6-lane Ring Road of 35 km at a cost of Rs. 1,690 crores.

• 18 National Highway projects in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh: Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 18 National Highway projects worth Rs 10,000 crore in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. These projects include 4-laning of Sonauli Gorakhpur & Gorakhpur Ring Road, road from Kushinagar to Lumbini and construction of Gilola bypass.

• 21 National Highway projects in Ranchi, Jharkhand: Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 21 National Highway projects of length 532 km worth Rs 9400 crore in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The construction of 260 km 4-lane inter-corridor from Ranchi to Varanasi at a cost of 7000 crores will reduce the travelling time from Ranchi to Varanasi to 5 hours.

• 10 National Highway projects in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand: Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 10 National Highway projects of length 220 km worth Rs.3843 crore at Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. These projects include Jharkhand’s first 4-lane double-decker elevated road from Kali Mandir to Baliguma on Ranchi-Jamshedpur Road at a cost of 1876 crores and Ranchi to Jamshedpur Inter Corridor.

• 3 National Highway projects in Raigad district, Maharashtra: Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 3 National Highway projects worth Rs. 414.68 crore at Palaspe village in Raigad district, Maharashtra. These projects will boost economic dynamism at the two ports of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Dighi, while concretization of Panvel to Kasu highway will speed up travel and save fuel.

• Inauguration of two mobile Applications: Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated two mobile Apps namely (a) ‘RajmargYatra’ – a citizen centric Mobile Application with in-built complaint redressal system and (b) ‘NHAI One’ – a mobile app to facilitate most of the crucial onsite requirements in execution of National Highway Projects. Both these Apps focuses on enhancing efficiency and providing Ease of Commuting on the National Highways.

• Foundation stone laying and inauguration ceremony of eleven National Highway projects worth Rs. 5,600 crores were held at Pratapgarah on 04^th July 2023.

• Foundation stone for three National Highway projects of length 87 km worth Rs. 2,900 crores were laid at Tirupati on 13^th July, 2023. These projects include construction of (a) 35 Km long Naidupate-Turpu Kanupur Section of NH-71 at a cost of Rs. 1,399 Crore, (b) 36 Km long Chillakuru Cross-Krishnapatnam Port South Gate Section via Turpu Kanupur on NH-516W at a cost of Rs. 909 crore and (c)x`16 Km long Thamminapatnam-Narikellapalle Section including a dedicated Port Road from Eupuru to Krishnapatnam Port on NH-516W & NH-67 at a cost of Rs. 610 Crore.

• Inaugurated two National Highway projects worth Rs. 3,300 crores on 17^th July 2023 at Lucknow. These projects include Madiyav-I.I.M. of Lucknow-Sitapur section on National Highway-24 and construction of 4-lane road from Naviganj to Mitrasenpur of Aligarh-Kanpur section.
• Inauguration of an integrated road infrastructure project worth Rs. 865 crore was held at Pune on 12^th August 2023. The project includes construction of 17 km-long flyover and interchange project at NDA Chowk. Inauguration of one National Highway Project worth Rs. 800 crore was held at Malkapur in Buldhana district, Maharashtra on 18^th August 2023. The project includes construction of Nandura to Chikhli section of 45 km long four-lane project on National Highway 53.
• Inauguration and Foundation Stone laying of projects by Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways: Three National Highway (NH) projects worth Rs. 3,695 crores were inaugurated in Washim, Maharashtra. These pertain to 4-laning of NH- 161 from Akola in Maharashtra to Sangareddy in Telangana which is important for connectivity between the two States.
• Hon’ble Union Minister for Roads Transport and Highways inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 26 National Highway Projects with an investment of more than Rs. 17,500 Crore in Guwahati, Assam on 31^st October 2023.
• Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways inaugurated 3 National Highways (NH) projects worth Rs 3,695 Crore in Washim, Maharashtra.

(iii)    Special Campaign 3.0 for disposal of Pending Matters:

The Ministry of Road Transport and highways has successfully implemented the special campaign 3.0 from 02.10.2023 to 31.10.2023. Identified targets under various parameters of the campaign and achievements made against them are as under:

Pending Parliament Assurances, VIP References. Public Grievances & Public Appeals have steadily declined since SCDPM 1.0

OTHER EVENTS

• Road Safety Week from 11^th-17^th January 2023: The Ministry observed the Road Safety Week from 11^th to 17^th January 2023, under “Swachhata Pakhwada”, to propagate the cause of safer roads for all. During this week, various activities with School/college students, drivers and all other road users such as Nukkad Nataks (Street Shows) and Sensitization Campaigns at various locations in the capital were conducted. Essay Writing & Poster Making competition for school students, Exhibition & Theatre Pavilion by corporates / PSUs / NGOs actively working in the field of road safety, Walkathon and Talks/ Interactions with senior officers were held at Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, Delhi. Implementing agencies of Ministry viz. NHAI, NHIDCL conducted special drives related to compliance of traffic rules and regulation, pedestrian safety, eye check-up camps for drivers and other road engineering related initiatives throughout the Country.

• 10^th Meeting of Group of Infrastructure: Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari chaired the 10^th meeting of the Group of Infrastructure Committee to address existing inter-ministerial issues related with implementation of various infrastructure projects to expedite the progress of on-going infrastructure projects under PM Gati Shakti. These included issues related to pending forest and environment clearances, facilitation of working permissions/approvals, ensuring land allocation/transfer and release of funds, policy matter related to environment/forest/wildlife clearance, railways, and power etc. Facilitation of Divyangjan in the conversion of fully built vehicles into adapted vehicles through temporary registration: MORTH vide draft notification G.S.R. 90€ dated 9^th February 2023 has proposed amendments in the Rule 53A and Rule 53B of the CMVR, 1989 which will extend the facility of Temporary Registration for conversion of fully built vehicles into adapted vehicles for Divyangajan.

•  Meeting of the Consultative Committee attached to Ministry of Road Transport & Highways The 2 meeting of the Consultative Committee attached to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways was held under the chairmanship of Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister (RT&H), on 10 April 2023 at Srinagar. The Committee discussed the Implementation of Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Program (Vehicle Scrapping Policy), Bharatmala Pariyojana, implementation of Greenfield Expressway and Tunnel Projects being carried out by the Ministry & its implementing agencies. The Committee also visited the construction sites of Zojila and Z-Morth Tunnel.
• Meeting of Transport Ministers of States and Union Territories (UTS) Hon’ble Minister (RT&H) chaired the meeting of Transport Ministers of States and Union Territories (UTS) on 17.04.2023 and called for the active support of States and Uts for strengthening policies and strategies for transformation of road transport sector including review of road traffic regulations, setting up of vehicle fitness stations, financing E-Buses, and streamlining the issuance of driving licenses etc.
• 10^th Meeting for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Transport Ministers Hon’ble Minister (RT&H) chaired the 10 Meeting for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Transport Ministers at New Delhi on 28.04.2023. He called upon SCO Member States to collaborate for research and development for effective solutions to contemporary challenges in the road transport sector. All Member States supported “Concept of cooperation of the SCO Member States to decarbonizes transport, promote digital transformation and innovative technologies to achieve greater efficiency and sustainability” A Special Working Group has been established to promote collaboration among member states of the SCO in the field of transportation.
• Workshop on implementation of Electronic Bank Guarantee & Insurance Surety Bonds: MORTH conducted a workshop on implementation of Electronic Bank Guarantee & Insurance Surety Bonds on 24.05.2023 at New Delhi in which various stakeholders including industry experts, banks, insurance companies etc. participated. The objective of this workshop was to highlight the benefits of e-BGs and Insurance Surety Bonds among various stakeholders and expedite adoption of these instruments.
• MORTH has issued new guidelines for the provision of signages on Expressways and National Highways. The fresh guidelines focus on further improving road safety by incorporating best practices and world standards to offer improved visibility and intuitive guidance to the drivers. Some of the salient features of the guidelines include enhanced visibility and legibility; pictorial depictions for intuitive communication; regional languages; focused lane discipline.
• Inauguration of two mobile Applications: Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated two mobile Apps namely (a) ‘RajmargYatra’ – a citizen centric Mobile Application with in-built complaint redressal system and (b) ‘NHAI One’ – a mobile app to facilitate most of the crucial onsite requirements in execution of National Highway Projects. Both these Apps focuses on enhancing efficiency and providing Ease of Commuting on the National Highways.

C. ROAD TRANSPORT

Road transport is the dominant mode of transport in India, both in terms of traffic share and contribution to the national economy. Apart from facilitating the movement of goods and passengers, road transport plays a key role in promoting equitable socio-economic development across regions of the country. It also plays a vital role in social and economic integration and development of the country. Easy accessibility, flexibility of operations, door-to-door service and reliability have earned road transport a greater significance in both passenger and freight traffic vis-à-vis other modes of transport.

Strengthening ITS in Public Transport System

The Ministry has revamped its previous ITS Scheme and issued guidelines on June 23^rd, 2022, to continue the previous scheme. This will provide additional financial support to STUs to equip themselves with advanced ITS technologies, improved bus services, operations, performance, and customer conveniences. The Scheme provides support of hardware and software components for Fleet Management System, Electronic Ticketing & Fare Collection System (including NCMC) and Passenger Information & Feedback System.

So far, proposals amounting to over Rs 250 crores have been received in the Ministry from several STUs such as TSRTC, KSRTC, GSRTC, APSRTC, Sikkim SNT, BMTC, Puducherry PRTC, Assam ASTC, Chandigarh CTU, MBMTU, Ahmedabad Janmarg Ltd., Bhopal City Link Ltd., NMMT, Kerala SRTC etc. A total of 5 proposals of TSRTC, KSRTC, GSRTC, BCLL and SNT amounting to Rs.122.49 Crores. Appraised and sanctioned. The rest of the other proposals are under consideration by this Ministry and several of them are already in the advanced stages of appraisal.

(i) CITIZEN-CENTRIC MEASURES

1. Ambit of Bharat series expanded: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in order to facilitate seamless transfer of vehicles all over the country, has issued G.S.R. 594€ dated 26 August 2021 wherein a new registration mark namely “Bharat (BH) series” has been incorporated in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. NIC has incorporated the needful changes in the Dealer point module and facility has been provided to all states for Central issuance of BH series registration number from the portal. The same has been activated and brought into force from 15^th September 2021. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways vide G.S.R 879€ dated 14 Dec 2022 has amended BH Series rules to further improve as well as widen the scope of BH series implementation.

This facility is provided only for new registration of vehicles through Dealer point registration. This vehicle registration facility under “Bharat series (BH-series)” is available on voluntary basis to Defense personnel, employees of Central Government/ State Government/ Central/ State Public Sector Undertakings and private sector companies/organizations, which have their offices in four or more States/Union territories. Currently, BH series registration is active in 26 states Andaman & Nicobar Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, UT of DNH and DD, Uttarakhand ,Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal.

2. Real Driving Emission (RDE) Regulations: -

There is a gap in the emission performance when the same vehicle is tested in laboratory conditions and in real driving conditions. To reduce this gap, Real Driving Emission (RDE) regulations were introduced in Europe. In line with this, India also introduced RDE regulations along with the introduction of Bharat Stage VI (BS VI), making RDE measurement mandatory during type approval and COP. The said regulations are applicable from 1^st April 2020 for data collection and from 1^st April, 2023 for meeting Conformity factor (CF). CF defines the emission limits of the RDE regulations.

The Ministry of Road transport and Highways has mandated that the CF (conformity Factor) may be applicable, in respect of vehicles manufactured on and after 1^st April, 2023 for all vehicles on real world driving cycle emission.

3. All-India Tourist Permit Rules, 2023: -

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has notified the All-India Tourist Vehicles (Permit) Rules, 2023, superseding the All-India Tourist Vehicle (Authorization or Permit) Rules, 2021.

The rules notified in 2021 had provided a significant boost to the tourism sector in India by streamlining and simplifying the permit regime for tourist vehicles.

Now, with the All-India Tourist Vehicles (Permit) Rules, 2023, the All-India Tourist Permit (AITP) regime has been further streamlined and strengthened to provide greater ease of movement of tourist vehicles across the country.

The key features of the new rules are as follows:

a.       To simplify the application procedure and to reduce compliance burden, the provision of authorization and AITP have been made independent of each other.

b.       To promote deployment of electric vehicles and vehicles driven on methanol or ethanol fuel in large numbers, a streamlined regulatory ecosystem at no cost to the operator(s) has been introduced.

c.       More categories of tourist vehicles, with lesser permit fees for lesser capacity vehicles (less than ten) have been introduced. This is expected to provide considerable financial relief to smaller tourist vehicle operators, having smaller vehicles with lower seating capacity, as they will now be required to pay lower fees commensurate with the seating capacity of their vehicle(s).

4.         Fire Alarm System (FAS) and Fire Protection System (FPS) in Buses: -

This Ministry had extended the scope of AIS 135 from the engine compartment to include the passenger compartment of school buses and buses of Type III category amending CMVR for incorporating provision for fire protection of the passenger compartment of the buses. The implementation timeline was twelve months from the date of commencement of the Central Motor Vehicles (First Amendment) Rules, i.e. from 27^th January 2023. The aim of this amendment is to provide an additional evacuation time to the occupants and thus to enhance the safety in fire incidents in buses through FPS and FAS. The standard was framed in consultation with various stakeholders including the experts of DRDO which had undertaken the design and had also tested the concept on a bus.

After receiving the representation from automotive stakeholders, this Ministry has deferred the date of implementation to 1^st October 2023.

5.         Conversion of fully built vehicles into adapted vehicles for Divyangjan: -

This Ministry has facilitated Divyangjan in the conversion of fully built vehicles into adapted vehicles through temporary registration.

Adaptation of motor vehicles, as per the specific needs of Divyangajan, is often required to facilitate their mobility. Currently, such adaptation could either be carried out prior to registration of vehicle, by the manufacturer or his authorized dealer, or after the registration of vehicle in as-is form on the basis of permission received from registering authority.

To simplify this process, MoRTH has amended rules 53A and 53B of Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, to extend the facility of Temporary Registration for adaptation of motor vehicles. These amendments will further facilitate the driving of motor vehicles by Divyangjan and promote their inclusion in socio-cultural and economic activities.

6.         Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP): -

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has inserted a new rule 126E in CMVR (Central Motor Vehicles Rules), 1989 regarding the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP). The following has been mandated: -

“126E. Bharat new car assessment programme. –

(1) The car assessment programme under this rule shall be applicable on the type of approved vehicles of category M1, manufactured or imported in the country on or after the 1^st day of October 2023.  Further, BNCAP shall be a voluntary program monitored by the Agency.

(2) On and from the 1^st day of October 2023, the manufacturer or importer of motor vehicles shall apply in FORM 70A, to the designated agency, designated by the Central Government to get their motor vehicle examined and assessed for star rating in accordance with AIS:197.

(3) The cost of the motor vehicle for the purpose of assessment for star rating and the cost of such assessment shall be borne by the respective manufacturer or importer.

(4) The motor vehicles for the purpose of assessment shall be randomly selected by the designated agency, from the premises of the manufacturer, importer, or  operational dealers of the manufacturer or importer, in accordance with AIS-197.

(5) The designated agency shall select any of the testing agencies, referred to in rule 126, for the assessment of the vehicles selected in sub-rule (2).

(6) The manufacturer or importer shall send the selected vehicles to the testing agency selected under sub-rule (4).

(7) The testing agency shall evaluate the vehicles in accordance with AIS-197 and submit the assessment report to the designated agency in FORM 70B.

(8) On examination and approval of the assessment report, the star rating of the vehicle shall be uploaded on the designated portal by the designated agency:

(9) Nothing in this rule shall apply to a vehicle exempted under rule 126.”.

It introduces the concept of safety rating of passenger cars and empowers consumers to take informed decisions. It will promote export worthiness of the cars produced by OEMs in the country and increase the domestic customer’s confidence in these vehicles. Additionally, the program will encourage manufacturers to provide advanced safety technologies to earn higher ratings.

7. Amendment in various Forms of Central Motor vehicles Rules, 1989: -

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended various Forms of Central MIotor vehicles Rules, 1989 to capture information w.r.t. permitted Sleeping capacity, Standing capacity and Seating Capacity (including Driver).

8. Type Approval of Compressed Gaseous Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles: -

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has inserted new rule 125M in CMVR, 1989 to provide norms for type approval of liquid or compressed gaseous hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles. It has been prescribed that the safety and procedural requirements for type approval of internal combustion engine vehicles of M and N categories powered by liquid or compressed gaseous hydrogen shall be in accordance with AIS 195:2023, till corresponding BIS specification is notified under the Bureau of Indian Standard Act, 1986 (63 of 1986). Provided that the hydrogen fuel specifications for internal combustion engine vehicles shall be in accordance with IS 16061: 2021.

9. Type approval of electric power train vehicles and hybrid electric vehicle: -

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has inserted a new rule 125N in CMVR, 1989 regarding Type approval of electric power train vehicles and hybrid electric vehicle. The definition of Hybrid vehicles is available in various Automotive Industry Standards (AIS); but, till date, a standard definition has not been incorporated in CMVR, 1989. It was therefore necessary to incorporate a standard definition of pure electric and hybrid vehicles & its various types, in CMVR 1989. It may also be pertinent to point out that various State governments are providing incentives to electric and hybrid vehicles through their respective state EV policies. Hence, by virtue of the notification it has brought more clarity in the definition and categorization of pure electric and hybrid vehicles.

D. ROAD SAFETY

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
 

1. Fire Alarm and Protection system in Occupant Compartment:  The Ministry vide notification dated 28^th April 2023 providing provisions on fire protection in occupant compartment of AIS-135 to be applicable to school buses, as specified in AIS-063, which are manufactured on and after the1st October 2023.
2.  Reconstitution of National Road Safety Council (NRSC): Ministry issued notification dated 7^th August 2023, reconstituting NRSC, under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister (RT&H). NRSC includes Hon’ble MoS (RT&H), Ministers- in -charge of Road Transport of all States/UTs, DGs/IGs of all States/UTs, Representatives from Central Ministries/ Departments, Secretary (RT&H), Chairman (NHAI), DG&SS (Roads), AS/ JS (Road Safety) and other Non-Official Co-Opted Members.
3. Type Approval of Liquid or Compressed Gaseous Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles: Ministry issued notification dated 16^th October 2023, specifying safety and procedural requirements for type approval of internal combustion engine vehicles of M and N categories powered by liquid, or compressed gaseous hydrogen in accordance with AIS 195:2023, till corresponding BIS specification is notified under the Bureau of Indian Standard Act, 1986 (63 of 1986).
4. Rules for BNCAP: Ministry issued notification dated 27^th September 2023, specifying rules for testing of M1 category and GVW < 3.5 tn vehicles. BNCAP is expected to increase consumer demand for safer vehicles, further encouraging OEMs to innovate and develop vehicles with enhanced safety features.
5. Air-Conditioned Cabins for N2 & N3 Category Vehicles: Ministry issued notification dated 8^th December 2023, mandating air conditioning system for the cabin of vehicles of N2 and N3 category and the testing of the cabin fitted with air conditioning system as per IS14618:2022.

  6.       Safety and Security of Women Passengers (Projects under Nirbhaya Framework):

The Government of India has set up a dedicated fund under the Nirbhaya Framework being administered by the Department of Economic Affairs, M/o Finance. Standalone projects from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, Telangana State Road Transport Corporation and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation have been approved under the Nirbhaya Fund Scheme to augment safety and security of women in public road transport, which are under different stages of execution.

7.     Development of State-wise vehicle tracking platform in States/ UTs (under Nirbhaya Framework):

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has approved a scheme (on 15th January 2020) for implementation of "Development, Customization, Deployment and Management of State-wise vehicle tracking platform for Safety & Enforcement as per AIS 140 Specifications in States / UTs under Nirbhaya Framework" at total estimated cost of Rs. 463.90 Crore (including Central and State share, as per Nirbhaya Framework).

MORTH has received proposals from 33 States/UTs. It has released funds amounting to Rs.213.88 Crore. So far, Eleven States/UTs i.e. Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Chandigarh and Andaman & Nicobar have commissioned the monitoring Centres and it is expected that more States/UTs are soon to follow the suit

E. VEHICLE SCRAPPING POLICY

Introduction: The “Vehicle Scrapping Policy” launched in August 2021 is aimed at creating an eco-system for phasing out of unfit and polluting vehicles in an eco-friendly manner. The policy targets voluntary scrapping of unfit commercial and personal vehicles strictly based on their fitness, irrespective of vehicle age. The policy offers multiple benefits such as reducing pollution, boosting availability of raw materials, promoting circular economy, improving road and passenger safety, boosting auto sector sales, and generating employment.

Rules and Notifications:  MoRTH has notified rules and amendments for setting up automated fitness testing stations and registered vehicle scrapping facilities in consultations with industry and other stakeholders. In 2023, to provide an initial policy impetus, it was notified vide GSR 29 (E) on 17th January 2023 that the certificate of registration of Government-owned vehicles shall expire after the lapse of 15 years. Such vehicles shall be mandatorily scrapped at RVSFs. There was a special focus on scrapping and replacement of public service vehicles (buses, ambulances, fire tenders and police vehicles) for the benefit of the citizens.

Further, GSR 663 (E) dated 12^th September 2023 provides for extension of date for mandatory testing of Transport Vehicles through ATS^s, to 01st October 2024. However, where the automated testing station is operational in the jurisdiction of a registering authority, the fitness of the vehicle shall be done only through such automated testing station with immediate effect.

Policy Implementation Status: For successful implementation, a network of Automated Testing Stations (ATSs) and Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) is required to be set up across India.

44 RVSFs are operational across 15 States, of which 35 were operationalised in 2023.

37 ATSs operationalised across 8 States so far, of which 35 were operationalised in 2023.

Financial benefits extended to citizens under this policy.

  Concession in Motor Vehicle (MV) Tax for vehicle registered against Certificate of Deposit: Announced by 19 States / UTs so far, of which 9 States / UTs have announced the incentive in 2023.

Waiver of Registration Fees for vehicle registered against Certificate of Deposit: Announced and Implemented Pan-India.

Waiver of pending liabilities (e.g., pending tax, interest, fines etc.): Announced by 16 States / UTs so far, of which 14 States / UTs have announced the incentive in 2023.

Around 49,700 vehicles scrapped till date at RVSFs of which ~ 39,200 vehicles scrapped in 2023 till date across Government-owned and Private vehicle categories. Government owned vehicles, ~30,400 scrapped till date of which ~26,600 have been scrapped in 2023.

Incentive Scheme for States: To increase the pace of implementation of the Vehicle Scrapping Policy, incentives worth INR 2,000 Cr. was  extended to State Governments for FY22-23 under Department of Expenditure’s ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment’ on 16th December 2022. The Department of Expenditure has approved the incentives worth Rs 351 Crores for the States of Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha as per proposals submitted for FY 2022-23.

The Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment has been extended for the financial year 2023-24 by the Government and the incentive amount to the States has been increased to Rs.  3000 crores, to incentivize scrapping of State Government vehicles which are older than 15 years, waiver of liabilities on old vehicles, providing tax concessions to individuals for scrapping of old vehicles and setting up of automated vehicle testing facilities.

Under the scheme for FY 2023-24, proposals from Punjab, Haryana, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Mizoram, and Karnataka have been received after completion of activities under Milestone 1 of Part A Of the scheme in 2023-24. The Department of Expenditure has approved the incentives worth Rs 62.5 Crs for the States of Punjab and Bihar as per proposals submitted.

Digitization: For smooth operations amongst various stakeholders of the policy ecosystem, two key IT infrastructure portals has been enabled for State Government, Investors and End Users

1. National Single Window System: Application for grant of registration certificate to set up ATS and RVSF has been facilitated through National Single Window System (NSWS). Currently, 22 States have been onboarded on NSWS portal and are accepting and processing applications through it.
2. IT modules on Vahan

1. ATS portal: National Informatics Centre (NIC) has developed a module on Vahan for end-to-end lifecycle management of ATS. Vehicle owners can book slot for fitness testing, view test results and appeal against it. Similarly, ATS operators can manage test slots and update test results on Vahan.

RVSF portal: NIC has developed a module on Vahan through which vehicle owners can submit application to scrap end-of-life vehicles.

(ELV). New features added for RVSFs (bulk upload of government vehicles) and citizens (self-backlog entry for vehicles not on Vahan, dedicated helpdesk operating on all 7 days).

F. LOGISTICS & ALLIED HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE

1. MULTI MODAL LOGISTICS PARKS (MMLPs)

The Ministry finalized the Model Concessionaire Agreement (MCA) for the MMLPs to be developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana in October 2021 through an elaborate process of inter-Ministerial consultations. The document serves as the Developer Agreements/ Concession Agreements for the individual MMLP projects under the Pariyojana. In addition to the MCA, the Ministry, in November 2021, also finalized and approved the Model RFP document of selection of Concessionaire for development of MMLPs.

A network of 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks is planned to be developed as part of Bharatmala Pariyojana, with a total investment of about Rs 46,000 crore, which once operational, shall be able to handle around 700 million metric tonnes of cargo. Of this, MMLPs at 15 prioritized locations will be developed with a total investment of about Rs 22,000 Crore.

These Multi-Modal Logistics Parks shall serve as regional cargo aggregation and distribution hubs for various industrial and agricultural nodes, consumer hubs and EXIM gateways such as seaports with multi-modal connectivity. In certain cases, the MMLPs are also being developed in tandem with the Inland Waterway Terminals under the Sagarmala Pariyojana to further reduce the cost of inland cargo movement at a much larger scale as compared to conventional road-based movement. 

(i) MMLP Jogighopa (Assam) in advanced stage: Execution of enabling development work including road, rail & water connectivity, area development such as site leveling, boundary work, internal road, administrative building, STP, WTP etc. is in advance stage.

Procurement of developer on PPP basis (Concession Period: 45 years) for construction of Logistics facilities such as business centre, container yard, warehouses, cold storage, etc. and operations thereof subsequently is in process.

The estimated cost of the first phase of the project is 693.97 crore. The foundation stone of the project was laid in October 2020 by Hon'ble Minister (RT&H) Shri Nitin Gadkari. This MMLP will serve as the distribution centre for all North-Eastern states and facilitate cross-border trade with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.

(ii) Work Awarded for 4 MMLPs:

Details of awarded MMPLs.

These projects, when completed, will contribute significantly to the growth of India’s logistics sector with reduction in carbon emission and strengthen the country’s infrastructure.

(iii) Bids invited for 2 MMLPs i.e., at Anantapur and Pune. The work of preparation of Feasibility Study Reports is in progress for MMLP at Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Nashik, Mumbai, Jammu and Patna.

Figure: Status of MMPLs

2. PORT CONNECTIVITY

India currently has 87 Operational and Under Implementation ports along its coastline. All Major operational ports currently have 4 lane and above last mile road connectivity.

MoRT&H and its implementing agencies have planned the development of 108 Port Connectivity Road (PCR) projects of length ~3,700 km to improve the last mile connectivity of all 87 Operational and Under Implementation ports.

The formulation and selection of these projects have arisen from a collective decision-making process that involved the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways, the Ministry of Port Shipping and Waterways, and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). These deliberations adhered to the fundamental principles of PM Gati Shakti, reinforcing the commitment to expedite infrastructure development and promote seamless connectivity in the country.

Of the 108 PCR projects under the Ministry

•           8 projects of length 294 km have been completed

•           28 projects of length 1808 km are awarded and under various stages of implementation

•           And 72 projects of length 1595 km are balance for award

3. WAY SIDE AMENITIES

To improve the comfort and convenience of the Highway users, the Ministry has planned the development of state-of-the-art Wayside Amenities (WSA) at about every 40 kms along the National Highways on PPP mode. These facilities are aimed to provide multiple options of rest and refreshment for the highway commuters during their journey. Some of the mandatory facilities being developed at each WSA are fuel stations, EV charging stations, food court / restaurants, dhabas, convenience stores, clean and hygienic toilet facilities, drinking water, first aid / medical room including childcare room, dedicated area for promoting local artisans, car/bus/truck parking, drone landing facilities / helipad etc.

A total of 1000+ sites are planned to be awarded by 2024-25 of which 198 Wayside Amenities (WSAs) have already been awarded. 162 WSAs are under bidding stage. These WSAs will offer huge opportunities for investors, developers, operators and retailers. All upcoming Greenfield Access-controlled Highway projects are provisioned to have Wayside Amenities essentially, which will also promote local economy by generating employment opportunities and help local people to market their unique produces/ handicrafts etc. at village haats developed at these places. 

4. UTILITY CORRIDORS

Working towards development of around 10,000 km of Optic Fibre Cables (OFC) infrastructure across the country by FY2024-25, National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a fully owned Company of NHAI, is implementing the network of Digital Highways by developing integrated utility corridors along the National Highways to develop OFC infrastructure. Around 1,367 km on Delhi – Mumbai Expressway and 512 km on Hyderabad - Bangalore Corridor have been identified for the Digital Highway Development.

G. TOLL

1. E-tolling

Ø In order to ensure seamless movement of traffic through fee plazas and increase transparency in collection of user fee using FASTag, the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) programme, the flagship initiative of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has been implemented on pan-India basis. The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) is the Central Clearing House (CCH). There are thirty-Nine (39) banks (including Public and Private sector banks) engaged as issuer banks for FASTag issuance to road users and fourteen (14) acquirer banks to process the transactions at fee plazas.

Ø The Ministry had mandated fitment of FASTag in M&N categories of motor vehicles with effect from 1st January 2021. Category ‘M’ stands for a motor vehicle with at least four wheels used for carrying passengers. Category ‘N’ stands for a motor vehicle with at least four wheels used for carrying goods, which may also carry persons in addition to goods. In order to further promote fee payment through digital mode, reduce waiting time and fuel consumption, and provide for seamless passage through fee plazas, Government has declared all lanes of the fee plazas on National Highways to be “FASTag lane of the fee plaza” w.e.f. the midnight of 15th/16th February 2021.

Ø More than 7.98 Crore FASTags have been issued till 30.11.2023. The toll collection via FASTag has grown significantly after declaration of all lanes of fee plazas on National Highways as FASTag Lane of the fee plaza w.e.f. midnight of 15th/16th February 2021. Average Daily collection via FASTag on NH fee plaza is Rs. 147.31 Crores and Number of average daily ETC transaction on NH fee plaza is Rs.86.61 Lakhs in F.Y. 23-24 (Till Nov 2023). The constant growth and adoption of FASTag by highway users is very encouraging and has helped increase efficiency in toll operations.

(ii) The Financial Year wise user fee collection on National Highways is as under:

H. GREEN INITIATIVES

(i) Type Approval of Compressed Gaseous Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles: -

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has inserted new rule 125M in CMVR, 1989 to provide norms for type approval of liquid or compressed gaseous hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles. It has been prescribed that the safety and procedural requirements for type approval of internal combustion engine vehicles of M and N categories powered by liquid or compressed gaseous hydrogen shall be in accordance with AIS 195:2023, till corresponding BIS specification is notified under the Bureau of Indian Standard Act, 1986 (63 of 1986). Provided that the hydrogen fuel specifications for internal combustion engine vehicles shall be in accordance with IS 16061: 2021.

(ii) Type approval of electric power train vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles: -

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has inserted a new rule 125N in CMVR, 1989 regarding Type approval of electric power train vehicles and hybrid electric vehicle. The definition of Hybrid vehicles is available in various Automotive Industry Standards (AIS); but, till date, a standard definition has not been incorporated in CMVR, 1989. It was, therefore, necessary to incorporate a standard definition of pure electric and hybrid vehicles & its various types, in CMVR 1989. It may also be pertinent to point out that various State governments are providing incentives to electric and hybrid vehicles through their respective state EV policies. Hence, by virtue of the notification it has brought more clarity in the definition and categorization of pure electric and hybrid vehicles.

I. PARVATMALA

1. Convenient and preferred mode of transportation: Ropeways have emerged as a convenient, safe and preferred mode of transportation to provide both, first as well as last mile connectivity to such hilly & inaccessible areas or to help de-congest urban congestion areas. In this backdrop, the Centre is giving a major push to ropeway development in the country. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRT&H) is responsible for the development of highways and regulating the road transport sector across the country. However, an amendment in the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961 in February 2021 allocated the development of ropeways in the country to MoRTH.

2. Varanasi ropeway project of length 3.85 km, is currently under implementation. The ropeway, once operational, will improve convenience for ~1 lac passengers everyday reducing the travel time between the two places from ~45 mins at present to ~16 mins.

3. Planned to Award Projects for 60 Km: Under Parvatmala Pariyojana, ropeway projects of ~60 kms length are planned for award by FY2023-24. Ropeway at Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) of 3.85 km is under construction. Bids for 9 projects of ~36 km length have been invited like Gaurikund - Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Govindghat – Ghangaria - Hemkund Sahib (Uttarakhand), Bijli Mahadev (Himachal Pradesh), Dhosi Hill (Haryana), Mahakal Temple in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), and Sangam (Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh). Detailed Feasibility Study are underway for additional 05 projects of ~22 km length, such as Kamakhya Temple (Assam), Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), and Kathgodam - Nainital (Uttarakhand).

J. INDIAN ACADEMY OF HIGHWAY ENGINEERS (IAHE)

Training Programme Conducted during the Year

During the year 2023, the Academy has organized 50 In-campus training program inter- alia includes one 16 weeks foundation training program for Deputy Managers of NHAI; one Orientation course for Ministry's Senior Technical Officers, Six Mandatory Training Programme on Preparation of DPR for Highway Projects for the personnel of consultants, one course for National Quality Monitors of NRIDA and Eight 15 Days Certificate Courses for Road Safety Auditors. Eight (08) online training programmes on various topics were also organized.

Besides, five off campus courses were conducted on "Flexible Pavement Design & Construction" one each at Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), Durg (Chhattisgarh), in which 365 officers participated. Two Mid-Career Training Program one for Superintending Engineers (SEs) and one for Executive Engineers of MoRTH in which 24 Engineers of the Ministry participated. One Training Program was also conducted on Work Zone Safety sponsored by PWD Kerala at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in which 51 Engineers participated. Moreover, one International Training for 20 participants on Feasibility Study and DPR for Highway Projects for the Officers of Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Countries sponsored by Ministry of External Affairs was conducted by IAHE. Moreover, a 5 days' workshop on Smart Transportation and Modeling under CATTS was also conducted at IAHE, NOIDA in which 52 officers participated. In campus, off campus, International& online training program total 2184 Engineers and Professionals have participated.

MJPS