1.  NATIONAL HIGHWAYS: CONSTRUCTION & ACHIEVEMENTS  

1.1 Road Network in the Country: India has the second largest road network and its National Highways span a total length of 146,195 km, forming the primary arterial network of the country. The Government of India has undertaken several initiatives to enhance and strengthen the National Highways network through flagship programmes such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana which includes the subsumed National Highway Development Project (NHDP), the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East Region (SARDP-NE), the Special Programme for the development of roads in Left Wing Extremism-affected Areas (LWE), including the development of the Vijayawada-Ranchi Road, and Externally Aided Projects (EAP).

1.2       National Highway Network

• The National Highway (NH) network has grown by 60%, rising from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km currently.
• The length of National High-Speed Corridors (HSC) has increased from 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km at present.
• The length of 4-lane and above National Highways (excluding HSCs) has more than doubled, expanding from 18,278 km in 2014 to 45,947 km at present.

1.3       Award and Construction of National Highways

1.4 Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North-East Region (SARDPNE)

The status of works taken up under SARDP-NE as on 30^th November, 2024 is as under:  

1.5 Left Wing Extremism affected Area (LWE) including Development of Vijayawada-Ranchi Road

The status of works taken up under LWE, including Development of Vijayawada-Ranchi Road, as on 30^th November 2024 is as under: -

1.6       Externally Aided Projects (EAP)

The status of works taken up under EAP [with loan assistance from World Bank/Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)/Asian Development Bank (ADB)] as on 30^th November, 2024 is as under: -

1.7       National Highways (Original)  

The NHs works other than scheme projects are prioritised for development in a phased manner based on the traffic requirement under National Highway (Original) works. At present, works in about 12,500 km NH length are under construction under NH(O).   

This also includes Bharatmala Projects under which 26,425 km has been awarded and 18,926 km has been completed till 30^th November, 2024.

1.8       Total outstanding liabilities under all schemes of MoRTH is about Rs. 6.48 lakh crore.

1.9       Maintenance and Repair (M&R) of NH Network

• MoRTH is focusing on both development and maintenance of NHs to ensure their traffic worthiness. 
• The M&R of stretches of NHs, where development works have commenced or Operation, Maintenance and Transfer (OMT) Concessions/ Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Contracts have been awarded, are the responsibility of the concerned Concessionaires/ Contractors till the end of the Defect Liability Period (DLP)/ the Concession Period. Similarly, for NHs stretches undertaken under TOT (Toll Operate and Transfer) and InvIT (Infrastructure Investment Trust), M&R responsibility lies with concerned Concessionaire till the end of the Concession Period. No separate maintenance expenditure is recorded in respect of these NHs stretches.
• For all remaining sections of NHs stretches, the Government has prioritised the maintenance and inter-alia evolved a mechanism to ensure M&R of all NHs sections through accountable maintenance agency through Performance based Maintenance Contract (PBMC) or Short-Term Maintenance Contract (STMC). Average annual expenditure of Rs. 6,000 Crore has been incurred by MoRTH on M&R of such NHs stretches during the last three years.
• At present, out of total 1,46,195 km length of NH network in the country, about 38,842 km length is under development, 55,448 km length under DLP / Concession Period, and 29,030 km length under maintenance. During the current FY 2024-25, MoRTH has planned to take up maintenance in about 25,000 km length through STMC / PBMC mode, out of which works in about 19,000 km length have already been approved.

1.10     CCEA approvals for 8 National High Speed Corridor projects

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister has approved the development of 08 important National High Speed Corridor projects with a Length of 936 km at a cost of Rs. 50,655 crore across the country. Implementation of these 8 projects will generate an estimated 4.42 crore man days of direct and indirect employment. Brief of these projects as are under:

• 6-Lane Agra - Gwalior National High-Speed Corridor. 
• 4-Lane Kharagpur - Moregram National High-Speed Corridor.
• 6-Lane Tharad - Deesa - Mehsana - Ahmedabad National High-Speed Corridor. 
• 4-lane Ayodhya Ring Road.
• 4-Lane Section between Pathalgaon-Gumla of Raipur-Ranchi National Highspeed Corridor
• 6-Lane Kanpur Ring Road
• 4-Lane Northern Guwahati Bypass and Widening/Improvement of Existing Guwahati Bypass

O         8-Lane Elevated Nashik Phata - Khed Corridor near Pune

1.11     Asset Monetisation:

(i) TOT (Toll Operate and Transfer) 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. Under this model, NHAI has monetised four TOT Bundle 11,12,13 and 14 and realised Rs. 15,968 crore during the financial year 2023-24 totalling Rs. 42,334 crore, so far.

During the FY 2024-25, NHAI has awarded TOT Bundle 16 of 251 km-long stretch on the Hyderabad-Nagpur corridor of NH-44 in the State of Telangana to M/s Highway Infrastructure Trust for Rs. 6,661 crores for 20 years.

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. 15,700 crores in 2023-24 totalling Rs. 25,900 crore so far has been realized.
3. Securitisation 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 road assets. NHAI will collect toll, maintain the road assets and periodically transfer payments to the SPV sufficient for servicing debt obligations at SPV level. About Rs. 8,646 crores in 2023-24 have been raised totalling Rs. 42,207 crore so far through this method (DME-Delhi Mumbai Expressway) by NHAI.

1.12     Relief for Contractors/Developers of the Road Sector      

         Relaxation in Schedule H of the MCA for EPC projects to ease the liquidity stress of the contractors

Due to the continuing liquidity stress in the infrastructure sector, the Ministry had received requests from field officers as well as NHBF to continue the relaxations provided in Schedule H/G as provided earlier by Circular COVID-19/RoadMap/JS(H)/2020 dated 4^th May 2023. It was felt desirable and imperative that the Schedule H/G may be amended by the Ministry for all future contracts on a standing basis. Accordingly, the Ministry vide letter number COVID19/RoadMap/JS(H)/2020 dated 11^th October 2024 has amended the Schedule H of the MCA for EPC projects for all future/upcoming projects, to ease the persisting liquidity stress in the highway construction sector.      

 Changes in the Model Concessionaire Agreement (MCA) of BOT (TOLL) mode of contract

In March 2024, the Ministry has amended the Model Concession Agreement (MCA) for Capacity Augmentation on BOT(Toll) (4 to 6 Lane). This was done to reduce the litigation and to attract more bids in BOT(Toll) projects.   

2.         LOGISTICS & ALLIED HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE  

2.1. Multi Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs)

The Ministry finalised the Model Concessionaire Agreement (MCA) for the Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) in October 2021 through an elaborate process of Inter-Ministerial consultations.  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 prioritised locations will be developed with a total investment of about Rs. 22,000 crore.  

These MMLPs 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.

2.1.1 MMLP Jogighopa (Assam) in Advanced Stage: Execution of enabling development work including road, rail & water connectivity, area development such as site levelling, boundary work, internal road, administrative building, Sewage Treatment Plant, Waste Treatment Plant, etc., is in advance stage.  Procurement of developer on PPP basis (Concession Period: 45 years) for construction of logistics facilities such as business center, container yard, warehouses, cold storage, etc., and operations thereof subsequently is in process.   

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

2.1.2    Status of Awarded MMLPs

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.

The Bids have been invited for MMLP Anantapur, Pune and Nashik and work of preparation of Feasibility Study Reports is in progress for MMLP at Patna, Jammu, Coimbatore & Hyderabad.

2.2       Port Connectivity Road (PCR) Project

India has a total coastline of ~7,500 km across 13 States/Union Territories. There are 227 Ports (13 Major, 214 Non-Major) along the coastline of which 78 ports are operational (12 Major, 66 Non-Major), 11 ports (1 Major, 10 Non-Major) are under implementation and other 138 ports are currently non-operational. Out of 89 operational/under-implementation ports, 64 have sufficient connectivity. MoRTH has planned the development of 108 PCR projects of length 3,700 km.

To ensure adequate last-mile connectivity to all the operational/under implementation ports in the country, a comprehensive Port Connectivity Masterplan was developed by MoRTH in consultation with Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). As part of the Masterplan, connectivity requirements of all the operational and under implementation ports were assessed and connectivity projects were identified. 59 additional critical infrastructure projects of length ~1,300 km was finally selected for implementation.

These projects will help in improving last- mile required road connectivity to all the operational/under-implementation ports in India providing a boost to economic activities via seamless movement of goods. Post the completion of all the Port Connectivity Projects, all the 89 operational and under-implementation ports in the country shall have sufficient connectivity. Currently 10 projects having about 313 km length has been completed, 26 projects having about 1754 km length are under implementation and Bidding process/DPR is in progress for remaining 72 projects (1631 km).

2.3       Way Side Amenities (WSA)  

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 40-60 km 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, Trucker facilities like Dhaba's, dormitories, drone landing facilities / helipad, etc.  

A total of 700+ WSAs were planned to be awarded along the National Highways by FY 2025-26. 322 WSAs have already been awarded of which 162 WSAs were awarded in FY 2023-24. Out of 322 WSAs, 83 sites are operational. These WSAs offer huge opportunities for investors, developers, operators and retailers. All upcoming Greenfield Access-controlled Highway projects are provisioned to have Wayside Amenities. This 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.

2.4.      Ropeways

Ministry has Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana across the country to improve connectivity & convenience for commuters in hilly regions and to decongest urban areas where conventional mode of transport is saturated or not feasible. Under this programme, the Ministry envisages provision of safe, economical, convenient, efficient, self-sustainable & world-class ropeway infrastructure providing first & last mile connectivity to improve logistics efficiency in India.

Under Parvatmala Pariyojana, ropeway projects of ~60 km length are planned for award by FY 2023-24. Out of these, Ropeway at Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) of 3.85 km is under construction. Additionally, 05 ropeway projects of 8.23 km length are awarded, viz., Bijli Mahadev (Himachal Pradesh), Dhosi Hill (Haryana), Mahakaleshwar Temple (Madhya Pradesh), Sangam (Uttar Pradesh) and Shankaracharya Temple (Jammu and Kashmir). Bids for 10 projects of 53.35 km length have been invited viz. Sangam (Uttar Pradesh), Shankaracharya Temple (Jammu and Kashmir), Sonprayag – Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Govindghat – Hemkund Sahib (Uttarakhand), Kamakhya Temple (Assam), Tawang Monastery – P T Tso Lake (Arunachal Pradesh), Kathgodam – Hanuman Garhi Temple, Nainital (Uttarakhand), Tikitoriya Mata Temple (Madhya Pradesh), Ramtek Gad Temple (Maharashtra) and Brahmagiri to Anjaneri (Maharashtra). Detailed Feasibility Study is in progress for additional 12 projects of 52 km length for further assessment. In addition, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) have been signed with 13 States/UTs, viz., Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka and Maharashtra for implementation of ropeway projects under Parvatmala Pariyojana in coordination with State Government/UT Administration.  

3.         MAJOR EVENTS OF 2024

3.1 INAUGURATIONS / LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONE BY HON’BLE PRIME MINISTER  

• Hon’ble Prime Minister dedicated multiple road development projects to the nation in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh on 25 January, 2024. The Projects include Aligarh to Bhadwas four-laning work Package-l (part of Aligarh-Kanpur Section of NH-34); widening of Meerut to Karnal border via Shamli (NH-709A); and four laning of Shamli - Muzaffarnagar section of NH-709 AD Package- ll. These road projects, developed at a cumulative cost of more than Rs. 5000 crore, will improve connectivity and help in the economic development in the region.
• Odisha – Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated three National Highways projects, development at a cumulative cost of about Rs. 2,110 crore in Sambalpur, Odisha, on 3^rd February 2024. The projects include four laning of Rimuli-Koida Section of NH 215 (New NH No. 520), four laning of Biramitrapur-Brahmani Bypass end section of NH 23 (New NH No. 143) and four laning of Brahmani Bypass End-Rajamunda Section of NH 23(New NH No. 143). These projects will enhance connectivity and also contribute towards the economic development of the region.
• Assam - Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated two 4-laning projects, namely Dolabari to Jamuguri and Biswanath Chariali to Gohpur in Guwahati, Assam on 4th February, 2024. These projects improve the connectivity to Itanagar and boost the overall economic development of the region.
• Jammu & Kashmir - Hon’ble Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of important road projects in Jammu on 20th February, 2024. These projects include two packages (44.22 km) of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway connecting Jammu to Katra; Phase II of four-laning of Srinagar Ring Road; five packages for upgrading the 161 km long Srinagar– Baramulla – Uri stretch of NH-01; and the construction of Kulgam Bypass & Pulwama bypass on NH-444.
• Uttar Pradesh - To further enhance road connectivity in Varanasi, Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple road projects on 23rd February, 2024 including four-laning of Ghargra-Bridge-Varanasi section of NH-233; four-laning of Sultanpur-Varanasi section of NH-56, Package-1; six-laning of phase-1 of Varanasi –Aurangabad section of NH – 19; and four-laning of Package -1 of Varanasi– Hanumana section on NH 35. He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway Package-1.
• Gujarat - On 25^th February 2024, Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated 2,320-metre-long cable-stayed Sudarshan Setu Bridge (Okha-Beyt Dwarka Signature bridge), built at the cost of around Rs. 980 crore connecting Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka island. The completion of the bridge provides a vital link to Beyt Dwarka, eliminating dependence on boats and improving accessibility to the region. This iconic bridge will also serve as a major tourist attraction of Devbhumi Dwarka. He also laid the foundation stone for the widening of Dhoraji-Jamkandorna-Kalavad section of NH-927.
• Tamil Nadu - Hon’ble Prime Minister dedicated four road projects in Tamil Nadu on 28^th February 2024, developed at a total cost of about Rs 4,586 crore. These projects include the four-laning of the Jittandahalli- Dharmapuri section of NH-844, two-laning with paved shoulders of the Meensurutti-Chidambaram section of NH-81, four-laning of the Oddanchatram-Madathukulam section of NH-83, and two-laning with paved shoulders of the Nagapattinam-Thanjavur section of NH-83. These projects aim to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance socio-economic growth and facilitate pilgrimage visits in the region.

3.1.1    11^th March 2024 at Gurugram, Haryana – National Highways projects worth more than

Rs. 1 lakh crore for different States.

(i) Inauguration:

• 19 km-long Haryana section of the 8 lane Dwarka Expressway built at a cost of around Rs.4,100 crore;  
• Other major projects inaugurated include the 9.6 km long six lane Urban Extension Road – II (UER-II) – Package 3 from Nangloi – Najafgarh Road to Sector 24 Dwarka section in Delhi;
• Three packages of Lucknow Ring Road developed at cost of about Rs. 4,600 crore in Uttar Pradesh;
• Anandapuram –Pendurthi – Anakapalli section of NH 16 development at a cost of about

Rs. 2,950 crore in the state of Andhra Pradesh;

• Kiratpur to Nerchowk section of NH-21 (2 packages) worth Rs. 3,400 crore in Himachal Pradesh;
• Dobaspet – Hoskote section (two packages) worth Rs. 2,750 crore in Karnataka;  42 other projects worth Rs. 20,500 Crore in different states across the country.

(ii) Foundation Stone:

• 14 package of Bengaluru – Kadapa – Vijayawada Expressway worth Rs.14,000 crores in Andhra Pradesh; 
• 6 packages of Belgaum – Hungund – Raichur Section of NH-748A worth Rs. 8,000 crores in Karnataka;
• 3 packages of Shamli – Ambala Highway worth Rs.4,900 crores in Haryana;       2 packages of Amritsar – Bathinda corridor worth Rs. 3,800 crores in Punjab;          39 other projects worth Rs.32,700 crores in different states across the country.

3.1.2 10^th March 2024 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of several road projects worth more than Rs. 19,000 crore which include-

i.          Inauguration:

Three packages of four lane Lucknow Ring Road and six laning of Chakeri to Allahabad

Section of NH-2;

ii.         Foundation Stone:

• four-laning of western side spur of Rampur – Rudrapur;
• two packages of six-laning of Kanpur Ring Road.
• Four-laning of Raebareli – Paryagraj section of NH-24B/ NH- 30.

3.1.3   9th March, 2024 at Siliguri - inauguration of two road projects – four-laning of Ghoshpukur - Dhupguri Section of NH 27 and four-lane Islampur Bypass – worth more than Rs 3,000 crore.

3.1.4    6th March, 2024 at Betia, Bihar – inauguration of two-laning of Piprakothi – Motihari – Raxaul section of NH-28A with paved shoulder Raxaul section of NH-28A with paved shoulder.

• Two-laning of Sheohar-Sitamarhi-Section of NH-104.

Laid the foundation stone of the six-lane Cable Bridge across river Ganga one of the longest river bridges in the country.

3.1.5 5th March, 2024 at Sangareddy, Telangana - Inauguration and laying of Foundation Stone

i.  Inauguration:

• Four-laning of 40 km long Kandi to Ramsanpalle section of NH-161 in Telangana
• upgradation of 47 km long Miryalaguda to Kodad Section of NH-167 to two lanes with       

            paved shoulders in Telangana

ii. Foundation Stone:

• six-laning of the 29 km long Pune Hyderabad Section of NH-65.

3.1.6    5^th March 2024 at Chandikhole, Odisha - inauguration and laying of the foundation stone for three National Highway projects which include:

    i.      Inauguration:

• four laning of Singhara-Binjabahal-Tileibani Section of ΝΗ-49;
• four laning of Balasore-Jharpokharia Section of NH-18 and
• four laning of Tangi-Bhubaneswar Section of NH-16;
• Foundation Stone - eight laning of Chandikhole - Paradip Section.

3.1.7    2nd March, 2024 at Aurangabad, Bihar - National Highway projects worth more than Rs.18,100 crore (including following important projects)

(i)        Inauguration:

• 63.4 km long two-lane with paved shoulder Jaynagar-Narahia section of NH-227;
• section of six lane Patna ring road from Kanhauli to Ramnagar on NH-131G;
• 3.2 km long second flyover parallel to existing flyover in Kishanganj town:
• four laning of 47 km long Bakhtiyarpur - Rajauli;
• four laning of 55 km long Arra - Parariya section of NH-319

(ii)       Foundation Stone:

• construction of 55 km long four-lane access-controlled Greenfield National Highway from Amas to village Shivrampur

54 km long four-lane access-controlled Greenfield National Highway from Shivrampur to Ramnagar,

• 47 km long four-lane access controlled greenfield National Highway from village Kalyanpur to village Balbhadarpur:
• 42 km long four-lane access controlled greenfield National Highway from Balbhadarpur to Bela Nawada;
• 25 km long four lane elevated corridor from Danapur-Bihta Section and upgradation of existing two lane to four lane carriageway of Bihta - Koilwar section.

3.1.8    2nd March, 2024 at Krishnanagar, West Bengal: inauguration of the road project for four laning of Farakka-Raiganj Section of NH-12 (100 KM), developed at a cost of about Rs.1,986 crore.

3.2       INAUGURATIONS / LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONE BY MINISTER FOR ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS

• Kerala: Hon’ble Union Minister for Roads Transport and Highways inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 12 National Highways projects with a total length of 105 km, worth over Rs. 1464 crore in Kasargod, Kerala on 5th January, 2024. The propose projects aim to enhance seamless connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, ensuring swift and trouble – free transportation.  
• Punjab: Hon’ble Union Minister for Roads Transport and Highways inaugurated 29 National Highways projects with an investment of more than Rs. 4,000 crore in Hoshiarpur, Punjab on 10^th January 2024 including construction of 4-laning of Hoshiarpur – Phagwara Section, 4-lane Ladowal Bypass connecting GT Road and National Highways 5 in Ludhiana, 4-laning of Talwandi Bhai- Firozpur Section, 45 km 4-lane bypass at Mukerian, Dasuiya and Bhogpur on Jalandhar to Pathankot Route and 30 km 4-lane bypass from Tanda to Hoshiarpur.
• Madhya Pradesh: Hon’ble Union Minister for Roads Transport and Highways laid foundation stones of 15 National Highways projects costing Rs 8,038 crore with total length of 499 km in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on 30^th January 2024. The projects include widening of Ayodhya bypass section, 4-lane widening of Budhni to Shahganj section, 4-lane widening of Shahganj to Bari, 2-lane construction of Morena, Ambah and Porsa bypass, 2-lane construction of Sheopur Gorsa from Madhya Pradesh – Rajasthan border. Hon’ble Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 9 National Highways projects costing Rs. 2,367 crore and total length of 225 km in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
• Uttarakhand - Hon’ble Union Minister for Roads Transport and Highways inaugurated and laid foundation stones of 30 National Highway projects worth Rs 4,755 crore in Haridwar, Uttarakhand on 13th February, 2024. The projects include widening of 2-lane paved shoulder from Lameri to Karnaprayag in Rudraprayag and Chamoli and Dudhdhari elevated flyover in Haridwar. These projects will not only ease transportation but will also provide better connectivity from Rishikesh to the India-China border. Hon’ble Minister also laid foundation stones of 8 National Highway projects worth Rs 2,217 crore in Tanakpur, Uttarakhand. These projects include widening of Kathgodam to Nainital road with 2-lane paved shoulder and 4-lane widening of Kashipur to Ramnagar road.
• Odisha - Hon’ble Minister for Roads Transport and Highways inaugurated 28 National Highway projects costing Rs. 6,600 crore in Shri Jagannath Puri on 15^th February 2024. These projects include 6 laning work of Chandikhol to Bhadrak Section of NH- 16 and 4 laning of Baharagora - Singhra Section of NH 49, enhancing better connectivity for the prosperity of Odisha.
• Karnataka - Hon’ble Minister for Roads Transport and Highways inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 18 National Highway Projects with a total investment of Rs. 6,168 crore in Shivamogga, Karnataka on 22^nd February 2024. These projects include the Bhanapur-Gaddanakeri Section, the Ankola-Gooty Section, the Arabail-Idagundi Section, the Maharashtra Border to Vijayapur Section, Sellay-Byrapura Section and Mudigere-Chikkamagaluru Section.   Hon’ble Minister for Roads Transport and Highways also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 18 National Highway Projects with a total investment of Rs. 7,290 crore in Belagavi, Karnataka. These strategic projects not only enhance agricultural and tourism sectors but also exemplifies a commitment to advancing connectivity and prosperity throughout North Karnataka.
• Maharashtra - Hon’ble Minister for Roads Transport and Highways inaugurated 6 National Highway Projects worth Rs.3,946 crore in Ahmedpur and 3 National Highway Projects worth Rs.122.9 crore in Dharashi, Maharashtra on 23^rd February 2024. The projects include 4-laning of Ausa-Chakur Section of NH 361, 4-laning of Chakur-Loha Section.
• Uttar Pradesh: Hon'ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways inaugurated and laid foundation stone of 8 National Highway projects worth Rs. 4142 crore in Rai Bareli. Uttar Pradesh on 1^st March 2024. On the same day, he laid foundation stone of 10 National Highway projects at a cost of Rs 10,000 crore in Jaunpur. Uttar Pradesh. Hon'ble Minister also laid the foundation stone of 2 National Highway projects worth Rs.1750 crore in Mirzapur. Uttar Pradesh on 1^st March 2024.
• Himachal Pradesh: Hon'ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 15 National Highway projects and one Ropeway project worth Rs.4,000 crore in Hamirpur. Himachal Pradesh on 5^th March 2024. With the construction of the ropeway, the journey to the pilgrimage site Bijli Mahadev will reduce from the present 2 hours 30 minutes to about 7 minutes and all-weather connectivity will be provided to 36000 pilgrims every day.
• Karnataka: Hon'ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways inaugurated and laid foundation stone for 22 National Highway Projects spanning 268 km worth Rs.4,000 crore in Mysuru, Karnataka on 10th March 2024.
• Jharkhand: Hon'ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways laid foundation stone of upgradation of 2 lane National Highway projects worth Rs.2500 crore in Khunti, Jharkhand on 11^th March 2024.
• Inauguration of 6-Lane access-controlled 7 km road project from Manohar International

Airport to Dhargal on NH-166S in Goa:  Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways dedicated to the nation a 6-Lane access-controlled 7 km road project with elevated viaducts from Manohar International Airport to Dhargal on NH-166S in Goa costing Rs.1183 crore. This development is expected to enhance tourism activities and provide a boost to multi-modal connectivity, thereby reducing logistics costs.

3.3       OTHER EVENTS, ACTIVITIES AND CAMPAIGNS

• Inauguration of Oxygen Bird Park:  Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways inaugurated Oxygen Bird Park (Amrit Mahotsav Park) along the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway-4428.09.2024 in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Oxygen Bird Park is an eco-initiative developed by the NHAI near Jamtha, along the Nagpur-Hyderabad, covering a total area of 8.23 hectares, including 2.5 hectares dedicated to social forestry. The vision was to establish a green space to provide a safe and natural habitat for wide variety of birds species as well as recreation of citizens.  
• Swachhta Hi Seva Campaign 2024: This campaign was launched with administering ‘Pledge’ and planting trees under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ on 17th September, 2024 by Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways at the event, organised at Duhai interchange of the Eastern Peripheral Expressway in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh for all the offices/organisations under this Ministry across the country. Hon’ble Minister of State for Corporate Affairs & Road Transport & Highways also participated in the event. MoRTH carried out cleanliness activities at more than 19,000 sites including Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) during the Campaign.
• Cadre Review of Central Engineering Service (Roads) has been approved by the Cabinet in the October 2024 raising its strength from 328 to 425. Increased strength of 425 includes 112 Special Reserve exclusively for NHAI and Reserves 33 posts.  

4.         ROAD TRANSPORT

The Ministry is responsible for the formulation of broad policies relating to regulation of road transport in the country, besides making/monitoring arrangements for vehicular traffic to and from neighbouring countries. The following Acts/Rules, which embody the policy relating to motor vehicles and State Road Transport Corporations (SRTCs), are being administered by the Ministry:

 Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

 Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989

 Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950

 Carriage by Road Act, 2007

 Carriage by Road Rules, 2011

4.1       Strengthening ITS in Public Transport System   

1. The Ministry has appraised the existing scheme namely “Strengthening ITS in Public Transport System” to provide financial assistance to State/UT Governments for use of latest technologies such as GPS/ GSM based vehicle tracking system, computerised reservation/ ticketing system, inter-modal fare integration, passenger information system etc. The Scheme includes cost of capital expenditure of ITS hardware, software, application development, operation, planning, management, administrative work, and appointment of Project Management Unit (PMU).
2. The Transport Bodies such as State Transport Undertakings, State Transport Corporations, Public Private Partnerships and State Government Bodies (including hilly regions and North-east States) are eligible to avail the financial assistance under the Scheme.
3. The duration of the scheme is for 4 years (FY 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26,

i.e., during remaining period of 15^th Finance Commission Cycle). The total outlay of the Scheme is estimated to be Rs.175 Crore from Ministry. Previous Scheme had fund of share of 50% by Ministry but the revamped scheme has fund share of 70% by Ministry and remaining 30% will be contributed by respective Transport Bodies.

4. As on December, 2024, 21 proposals have been received out of which, the proposals in respect of GSRTC, TSRTC, KSRTC, Bhopal BCLL and Sikkim SNT have been sanctioned in 2022-24 and, in respect of Assam ASTC, Mira Bhaindar MBMTU, Puducherry PRTC and APSRTC have been sanctioned in 2023-24.

4.2       e-Transport

One of the key IT initiatives by the MoRTH to modernize transport sector management and operations is the e-Transport Mission Mode Project. This comprehensive digital platform, developed with technical support from NIC, enables all transport-related services through a centralized, web-based system that operates nationwide. It has significantly transformed the service delivery mechanisms for various transport activities, including vehicle registration, driving licenses, taxation, fitness, permits, and enforcement. This project has automated operations and transformed 200+ citizen/trade-centric Transport services into Faceless/Contactless mode leveraging advanced technologies like, Aadhaar Authentication, eKYC, eSign/DSC, Artificial Intelligence - AI based Facial Recognition, and GPS location capture. The launch of these Faceless Services is a quantum leap in the transport system. E-Transport project encompasses an extensive array of Government-to Government (G-G), Government-to-Business (G-B), and Government-to-Citizen (G-C) services, benefiting many stakeholders e.g. citizens, vehicle manufacturers, dealers, transporters, banks, insurance companies, security agencies, enforcement agencies as well as various state/central government departments and their applications.

4.3 Citizen-centric Measures

4.3.1 Bharat Series Vehicle Registration

To facilitate seamless transfer of vehicles across states and eliminates the need for assigning a new registration mark during interstate owner transfers, a provision for “Bharat series (BH series)” is provided as per Gazette Notification G.S.R. – 294 (E) issued by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. NIC has incorporated the needful changes in the Dealer point module and facility has been provided to 27 States for Central issuance of BH series number from the portal.

4.3.2    All India Tourist Permit Module (AITP)  

AITP, developed by NIC under MoRTH Gazette notification G.S.R. 302(E), allows tourist vehicle operators to transport tourists and their luggage across India. The "All India Tourist Permit" (AITP) is a permit issued by the Transport Authority, authorising tourist vehicle operators or owners to transport tourists, either individually or in groups, along with their personal luggage throughout India, upon payment of the permit fee. This initiative simplifies interstate travel, enhancing mobility and supporting the tourism sector by eliminating the need for multiple permits.

4.3.3    Faceless, Contactless, Aadhar - eKYC Based Services

In e-Transport Project, faceless services have been introduced to ensure an efficient and fully digital approach in delivering various transport-related services to citizens through Vahan and Sarathi. It enables citizens to avail it in a completely online, contactless manner, from the comfort of their homes. Both MoRTH and NIC have transitioned the existing transport services to a faceless mode, employing advanced technologies such as Aadhaar authentication, eKYC, AI-based face recognition, e-Sign, and other business process transformations. Currently, more than 90 transport services are completely Contactless. However, implementation varies from state to state.

4.3.4    NextGen mParivahan Mobile App

NextGen mParivahan serves as the mobile extension of Vahan, Sarathi, and other e-Transport components, available on Android and iOS platforms. It offers citizens access to 75+ online services/utilities for driving licenses, vehicle registration, taxation, fitness, permits, and other transport-related needs. Integrated with Vahan, Sarathi, e-Challan, and other repositories, it facilitates seamless data exchange. With over 11.55 crore app downloads, it's one of the most popular government apps. Following are the services and utilities incorporated in the app.

4.3.5 Scheme for providing Cashless Treatment to the victims of road accidents caused due to motor vehicles

In line with its commitment to reduce fatalities due to road accidents and the legal mandate under section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Government is formulating a scheme to provide cashless treatment to the victims of road accidents caused by the use of motor vehicles. Key features of the scheme are as under:

1. Victims are entitled to cashless treatment up to a maximum of Rs. 1.5 lakh per victim per accident for a maximum period of 7 days from date of accident as per health benefits packages for trauma and polytrauma of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri -Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
2. Applicable to all road accidents caused by use of motor vehicle on any category of road.
3. The National Health Authority (NHA) shall implement the scheme, in coordination with police, hospitals, State Health Agency (SHA), etc., through an IT platform combining the functionalities of existing Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) application of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and Transaction Management System (TMS) of NHA.
4. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways along with National Health Authority (NHA) has implemented pilot programmes for providing cashless treatment to victims of road accidents in the Union Territory of Chandigarh and Puducherry and States of Assam, Haryana, Punjab and Uttarakhand.

4.3.6   Development of State-wise Vehicle Tracking Platform in States/UTs (under Nirbhaya Framework)

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved a scheme (on 15^th 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).

The proposed system envisages enhancing the safety of women and girl children by establishing Monitoring Centers across States/UTs, which shall track all the Public Service Vehicles (PSV) that are fitted with location tracking device and emergency buttons for raising an alert in case of emergency. The Monitoring Centre will monitor the alerts and coordinate with State Emergency Response Support System (SERSS) for responding to distress calls. MoRTH had earlier issued a notification dated 28^th November, 2016, wherein Vehicle Location Tracking (VLT) device and emergency buttons were mandated to be fitted in all public service vehicles. Further, the responsibility of fitting VLT device and emergency buttons lies with the vehicle owner, and this scheme shall finance only the setting up of Monitoring Centre in each State/UT for the tracking of PSVs.

MoRTH has received proposals from thirty-five States/UTs, namely, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Chandigarh, Karnataka, Punjab, Odisha, Kerala, Meghalaya, Assam, Puducherry, Jharkhand, Manipur, Uttarakhand, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Daman & Diu and Dadar & Nagar Haveli, Rajasthan, Mizoram, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep.

The Ministry has released the funds amounting to Rs. 220.11 crore. MoRTH has been closely monitoring the implementation of this scheme. Periodic reviews are being done with the State representatives and other stakeholders. So far, thirty-three States have received the funds and out of which fourteen States, namely Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Sikkim, West-Bengal, Andaman, Odisha, Chandigarh, Kerala, Karnataka and Arunachal Pradesh have already set up the monitoring centres. More States/UTs are in the advanced stages of commissioning the Monitoring Centres.

5.         VOLUNTARY VEHICLE-FLEET MODERNIZATION PROGRAM (VVMP/

VEHICLE SCRAPPING POLICY)

5.1.      The Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Program (V-VMP) or “Vehicle Scrapping

Policy” was launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 13th August, 2021. It is aimed at creating an ecosystem for phasing out of unfit and polluting vehicles in an eco-friendly manner. To enable successful implementation of this policy, a network of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) for environmentally friendly, safe, and scientific scrapping of vehicles is required to be set up across India. Additionally, a network of Automated Testing Stations (ATSs) is required for improved transparency and objectivity in fitness testing of vehicles. The policy targets voluntary scrapping of unfit commercial and private vehicles.

5.2       Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF)

RVSF was developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) under MoRTH Gazette notification GSR 653(E). This application facilitates motor vehicle owners in efficiently phasing out old and unfit vehicles with high emissions, thereby mitigating the deterioration of air quality. The primary objective of this application is to remove polluting vehicles from running on the roads and subsequently lower the country’s carbon footprint. All applications and processes for vehicle scrapping have been made online and time-bound for vehicles registered on the Vahan portal. Total States that have implemented AFMS till date are 36.

5.3       Citizen Centric Initiatives:

5.3.1 The policy focuses on citizen centricity by allowing vehicles registered in any State to be fitness tested / scrapped at any ATS / RVSF in the country. A citizen receives a Certificate of Deposit (CD) issued only by RVSFs on scrapping their vehicles. To incentivize vehicles owners to scrap their vehicles at RVSFs, various incentives are provided by Government and Auto OEMs on new vehicles purchased against CDs:   

• Concession in motor vehicle tax of up to 25% for non-transport vehicles and up to 15% for Transport vehicles which are purchased against Certificate of Deposit vide MoRTH GSR 720 (E). 23 States / UTs have announced the MV tax concession so far.
• Waiver of Registration fees for all vehicles across the country which are purchased against a Certificate of Deposit.  
• In addition, Auto OEMs have agreed to provide discounts on vehicles purchased against CD, as detailed below:
• CVs: 7 OEMs covering ~95% market (Tata, Eicher, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, Isuzu Motors, SML Isuzu, Force) agreed discounts up to 3%.
• PVs: 11 OEMs covering ~98% market (Maruti, Tata, Mahindra, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Honda, JSW MG, Renault, Nissan, Skoda-Volkswagen) agreed lower of 1.5% discount OR Rs.20,000 and Mercedez Benz (12^th OEM) has announced Rs. 25,000 discount.

5.3.2    In addition to the above financial incentives, there are a lot of non-financial incentives including:  

• Reduction in pollution due to scrapping of old polluting vehicles: It is estimated that on an average, the emissions from a single Pre-BS M&HCV are equivalent to ~14 BS VI

M&HCVs. Similarly, emissions from a BS I and BS II M&HCV are equivalent to ~7 BS VI M&HCVs and ~6 BS VI M&HCVs respectively.

• Environment-friendly safe disposal of End-of-Life Vehicles
• Better safety features in new vehicles versus old vehicles  
• Lower maintenance costs in new vehicles versus old vehicles

5.3.3    Further, to disincentivize vehicle owners from using older vehicles, MoRTH has increased fees for registration, fitness certificate issuance and fitness testing of older vehicles vide MoRTH GSR 714 (E).  For citizen convenience and seamless experience to users, a digital infrastructure has been created on the Vahan portal for V-VMP to facilitate scrapping of end-of-life vehicles and fitness testing. End-to-end digitisation of citizen journey of scrapping and vehicle fitness testing through Vahan modules (AFMS and Vscrap) from booking appointment, submitting application, and issuing applicable certificates (e.g., certificate of deposit on scrapping, fitness test report and certificate)  Fully integrated portals with Vahan database enabling dynamic updation of records like vehicle scrapping status and fitness test results on real-time in respective national databases, eliminating additional manual interventions for citizen.

Citizen incentives linked to CD are configured across relevant state department portals to ensure seamless disbursement of benefits such as MV Tax concession and waiver of registration fee at all touchpoints. Citizen awareness campaign has also been launched for vehicle owners to be informed of policy benefits.

5.4      Investment promotion and ease of doing business:

• The policy promoted private investment across RVSFs and ATSs where relaxed criteria was defined in MoRTH guidelines to obtain a registration certificate (RC) for setting up RVSFs and ATSs from the respective State Transport Departments.  
• Regular investor summits conducted in collaboration with State Governments across 25 States to promote V-VMP policy attracting private investments by showcasing policy objectives, impact, and business opportunities, resulting in a pipeline of 200+ applications for RVSFs and 350+ for ATSs.
• Further, any registered investor / business in the RVSF and ATS ecosystem is onboarded to the digital infrastructure created under V-VMP for ease of doing business.
• National Single Window System (NSWS): A single window digital clearance portal for investors providing all-in-one approval repository, real-time application status tracking and fast query management, helping streamline approval process between State Transport Dept. and investor.
• E-Auction of Government vehicles to RVSFs for scrapping: Dedicated e-auction portals developed by Metal Scrap Trade Corporation (MSTC) and Government e-Marketplace (GeM), onboarded under V-VMP to facilitate transparent and structured exchange of Government vehicles older than 15 years between Government departments (Center, State, PSUs) and RVSFs, enabling price discovery and demand aggregation. RVSFs registered as per MoRTH guidelines can only participate in these auctions and purchase these vehicles for scrapping.  
• Digitization of operations at RVSFs and ATSs: Leveraging Vahan modules under VVMP, investors can digitally manage end-to-end lifecycle operations at ATS and RVSF - scheduling, booking acceptance, document verification, and certificate issuance. These portals enable seamless process, making it easier and cost-effective for investors to run their operations:
  • • • AFMS portal enabling testing ecosystem: National Informatics Centre (NIC) has developed a module on Vahan for end-to-end lifecycle management of testing through ATS. The Automatic Fitness Management System (AFMS) provides the motor vehicle owners ability to book vehicle fitness tests, view fitness test results and fitness certificate and apply for re-tests. Automated Testing System (ATS) operators will be able to generate available test slots, manage bookings, update vehicle fitness status and upload fitness test results and fitness certificate. The application provides end-to-end visibility into vehicle testing process and its result, thus improving transparency. It also helps in maintaining digital recordings of visual tests. The AFMS portal is linked with other Vahan applications such that latest fitness status is updated across Vahan and may be used by the authorities for enforcement purposes.
      • Vscrap portal enabling scrapping ecosystem: NIC has developed another module on Vahan for end-to-end lifecycle management of scrapping through RVSF. The Vscrap portal allows motor vehicle owners to submit online applications for scrapping their old vehicles at any Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) in the country. The RVSF can accept the application form, negotiate the scrap value for old vehicle, generate a Certificate of Deposit (CD) as a proof of receipt of vehicle for scrapping and generate a Certificate of Vehicle Scrapping (CVS) as a proof of vehicle scrapped.  
      • CD trading portal: The ‘Certificate of Deposit’ issued to vehicle owners on submission of vehicle for scrapping is linked with multiple incentives on purchase of new vehicles. The incentives include waiver of registration fees, concession on MV Tax and discounts on ex-showroom price by OEMs. Vehicle owners can also trade the CD. To enable the CD trading Digi ELV portal has been developed by NCDEX.

5.5      Digital dashboards and data for compliance tracking:

• Dedicated dashboards for real-time monitoring of ATS and RVSF operations allow tracking of policy metrics across Central Government and State Government, providing integrated data across portals that facilitates decision-making and supervision of notified rules.
• Digitally driven process for compliance supervision through audit functionality, enabling digital submission and scrutiny of audit reports via the NSWS portal, ensuring transparency across investors and competent Government authorities.

5.6       Financial incentives to State Governments to expedite policy implementation:

• To increase the pace of implementation, incentives worth Rs. 2,000 crore extended to State Governments (on achieving V-VMP milestones in January-March 23) under Department of Expenditure's (DoE) 'Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for 2022-23.  
• Scheme for special assistance to states extended for 2023-24 for Rs. 3,000 crore and released by DoE on 2^nd May vide letter F.No. 44(1)/PF-S/2023-24 (CAPEX) to incentivize states to achieve their respective RVSF and ATS infrastructure set-up targets along with creation of initial demand by scrapping Government owned vehicles.
• Rs. 1,291 crore approved for disbursement by DoE across 19 State Governments on achievement of defined milestones under V-VMP.
• Rs. 351 crore for January-March 2023 performance
• Rs. 940 crore for April 23-March 2024 performance
• Scheme for special assistance to states extended for 2024-25 for Rs. 3,000 crore  
• Increased incentives for scrapping of Government and non-government vehicles
• Higher incentives for awarding and operationalisation of ATS

5.7       Current Policy Implementation Status:

5.7.1    Vehicle Scrapping (As on 16.12.2024):

1. 80 RVSFs are operational across 19 States/UTs, 66 additional centers are under construction.
2. As per projections, around 90 scrapping centers are required in India to cater to End of Life Vehicles (ELVs). However, to ensure geographical coverage, 145 RVSFs are required. 
3. ~156,700 vehicles scrapped in total of which ~85,000 are Government owned and ~71,400 are non-Government owned.
4. Priority category Government vehicles scrapped – 12,086 police vehicles, 8,209 buses, 358 fire tenders, 1,766 ambulances.

v.         Government vehicles contribute more than 50% of scrapped vehicles till date since we provided an initial impetus to the established RVSF infrastructure (supply-side ecosystem) by mandatory scrapping of Government vehicles older than 15 years.

vi.    Monthly volume of Government owned vehicles scrapped is ~5,000 for FY24-25 YTD which is 155% more than last year (3,177 monthly avg. scrapping volume in FY23-24).

vii.       For non-Government owned vehicles, while more initiatives to boost scrapping volume (demand-side initiatives) needs to be done, there has been a significant growth in scrapping volume.

viii.  Monthly volume of non-Government owned vehicles scrapped is ~5,500 for FY24-25 YTD which is 270% more than last year (2,077 monthly avg. scrapping volume in FY2324).

5.7.2    Vehicle Fitness Testing (As on 16.12.2024):

1. 92 Automated Testing Stations are operational across 13 States / UTs, 238 facilities are under construction, of which 145 are expected to come up by Mar’25.
2. A total of around 500 automated testing stations are required in India.
3. Monthly volume of ATS fitness testing is ~30,000 for FY24-25 YTD, which is 540% more than last year (~5,600 monthly avg. fitness tests at ATS in FY23-24).

6.        ROAD SAFETY

6.1    Identification and Rectification of Accident Blackspots: High priority is accorded to identification and rectification of blackspots (accidents prone spots) on National Highways. Concerted efforts towards improvement of road safety through engineering measures on National Highways have been made.  

A total of 13,795 black spots have been identified on the NHs, out of which short-term rectification measures have been completed on 9,525 black spots and permanent rectification have been completed on 4,777 black spots. Rectification of the identified blackspots is in progress. Besides, rectification measures are also taken on the accident spots reported on eDAR portal on priority.  

The Ministry is taking following steps to rectify the black spots:

• The blackspots are being rectified by providing immediate short-term measures such as cautionary road signs and markings, transverse bar markings, rumble strips and solar blinkers etc.
• For long term rectification, measures such as Flyover, Underpasses, Foot over Bridges, Service roads etc. are being provided wherever required.
• Traffic calming measures such as traffic warning signs, delineators, road studs, bar markings, humps at approach roads, etc. are taken at vulnerable sections of National Highways to reduce road accident fatalities.

Emergency/medical facilities for the road accident victims are provided as per the respective contract/concession agreements signed between NHAI and the contractor/concessionaire.

6.2       Preventive Measures

Ministry has taken various initiatives to make vehicles safer, including the following:  

1. Mandatory provision of an airbag for the passenger seated on the front seat of a vehicle, next to the driver.
2. Prescribed norms related to safety measures for children below four years of age, riding or being carried on a motor cycle. It also specifies use of a safety harness, crash helmet and restricts speed to 40 kmph.
3. Mandatory provisions for fitment of following listed safety technologies: - For M1 category vehicles:

• Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) for driver and co-driver.           Manual Override for central locking system              Over speed warning system.

For all M and N category vehicles:

• Reverse Parking Alert System

4. Mandated Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) for certain classes of L [Motor vehicle with less than four wheels and includes a Quadricycle], M [Motor vehicles with at least four wheels used for carrying passengers] and N [Motor vehicles with at least four wheels used for carrying goods which may also carry persons in addition to goods, subject to conditions stipulated in BIS standards] categories.  
5. Mandated speed limiting function/speed limiting device in all transport vehicles, except for two wheelers, three wheelers, quadricycles, fire tenders, ambulances and police vehicles.
6. Published the rules for recognition, regulation and control of Automated Testing Stations, which define the procedure for fitness testing of vehicles through automated equipment and the procedure for grant of fitness certificate by ATSs. The rules have been further amended on 31^st October, 2022 and 14^th March, 2024.
7. Formulated the Vehicle Scrapping Policy based on incentives/dis-incentives and for creating an ecosystem to phase out old, unfit and polluting vehicles.
8. A Scheme to set up one model Inspection & Certification Centre in each State/UT with Central assistance for testing the fitness of vehicles through an automated system.
9. Published rules regarding the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) to introduce the concept of safety rating of passenger cars and empower consumers to take informed decisions.
10. Published rules regarding prescribed level playing field in the area of manufacturing of buses by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Bus Body Builders.   
11. Mandated vehicles, manufactured on or after 1^st October, 2025, shall be fitted with an air-conditioning system for the cabin of vehicles of N2 (goods vehicle with gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12.0 tonnes) and N3 (goods vehicle with gross vehicle weight exceeding 12.0 tonnes) category.
12. Published rules for revision of standards for Safety Belt, Restraint Systems and Safety Belt Reminder to provide provisions for applicability of revised standards for safety belt assemblies, safety belt anchorages and the installation of Safety Belts and Restraint Systems, in Motor vehicles of category M, N and L7 w.e.f. 1^st April, 2025. Further, the vehicles of category M1, manufactured on and after the 1^st April 2025, shall meet the requirement of safety belt reminder for all front facing rear seats as per AIS145-2018.

7.         E-INITIATIVES

7.1 BhoomiRashi Portal: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched BhoomiRashi Portal to digitize the land acquisition notification process to accelerate highways infrastructure development projects and payment to compensation for land acquisition. The portal has been made mandatory for processing all the land acquisition proposals w.e.f. 1st April, 2018. The Portal has made land acquisition process faster and error-free. It has greatly reduced the time period for publication of notifications and brought in efficiency as well as transparency in the whole process.

7.2.      The key objectives of avoiding parking of funds in bank accounts and ensuring transparent real time deposit of funds in the account of the individuals whose land/property were acquired have successfully been achieved by integrating the payment of compensation with the BhoomiRashi Portal via Public, Finance Management System (PFMS). This initiative of MoRTH has resulted in a more robust and efficient land acquisition for road construction in the country.

The Ministry has also organized workshops and training programmes across the country to make the field offices familiar to the latest updates in BhoomiRashi Portal and new development in LA process.

A total of 16,622 notifications under section 3 of National Highways Act, 1956 have been published and around 1,47,320.11 hectare of land has been acquired under section 3-D of the Act through BhoomiRashi Portal from 1st April, 2018 to 30th November, 2024.

7.3 E-tolling

• 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 has been implemented on pan-India basis. The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) is the Central Clearing House (CCH).  There are forty (40) banks (including Public and Private sector banks) engaged as issuer banks for FASTag issuance to road users and twelve (12) acquirer banks to process the transactions at fee plazas.
• The Ministry had mandated fitment of FASTag in M&N categories of motor vehicles with effect from 1^st 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.  
• More than 10.1 Crore FASTags have been issued till 01.12.2024. 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 around Rs. 193 Crores and Number of average daily ETC transaction on NH fee plaza is Rs.118.82 Lakhs in F.Y. 24-25 (Till Nov 2024). The constant growth and adoption of FASTag by highway users is very encouraging and has helped increase efficiency in toll operations.

8.         GREEN INITIATIVES

8.1.      Safety Requirements for Electric Power Train Construction Equipment Vehicles: MoRTH vide G.S.R. 721(E) inserted rule 125-O in Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989 regarding Safety Requirements for Electric Power Train Construction Equipment Vehicles and mandated that On and after 1^st day of January, 2025, Construction Equipment Vehicles fitted with Electric Power Train shall meet requirements as specified in AIS-174, till the corresponding BIS specifications are notified under the Bureau of Indian Standard Act, 2016 (11 of 2016).

8.2.      Renewal of certificate of fitness in respect of transport vehicles:

The Ministry has issued GSR 709(E) dated the 14th November, 2024 (amending rule 62 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989) which provides for extension of date for mandatory testing of Transport Vehicles through an Automated Testing Station, registered in accordance with rule 175 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989 to 01st April 2025.

9.         INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

(i)        BRICS Transport Ministers' Meeting

The BRICS is a forum for cooperation among a group of leading emerging economies. Transport plays a crucial role in driving economy’s growth and offers opportunities, facilitating trade and investment as well as importance of keeping supply chains open, safe, secure, transparent and resilient for improving connectivity across BRICS area.

BRICS Transport Ministers' Meeting was held in June, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Russia on the margins of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (the SPIEF). MoRTH delegation, led by Secretary (RT&H), attended the meeting.  

(ii)  Russian-Indian Working Group on Roads and Intelligent Transport Systems meets in Moscow, Russia

The second meeting of the Russian-Indian Working Group on Roads and Intelligent Transport Systems was held in Moscow, Russia on 24^th September 2024. The meeting was chaired jointly by Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, and State Secretary & Deputy Minister of Road Transport of the Russian Federation. Two sides discussed ways to facilitate the exchange and sharing of the information in the areas of improving technologies and materials in road and bridge construction and promote joint research in these fields. Opportunities to develop mutual investments in highways and transport infrastructure related programs/projects, was also discussed.

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GDH/THR