New Scheme Launched for Monitoring and Removal of Unauthorized Occupations on National Highways

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued the draft of a robust scheme aimed at ensuring National Highways remain free from unauthorized occupations and encroachments on November 24, 2024. The initiative sets clear guidelines for inspection, monitoring, and timely removal of such encroachments, assigning specific roles and responsibilities to designated authorities.

Mandatory Inspections and Reports: To curb encroachments, officials conducting highway inspections will now be required to document instances of unauthorized occupation in their inspection notes. These notes will include the extent of the encroachment and direct designated Highway Administrations to initiate removal actions in accordance with the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, and the Highways Administration Rules, 2004.

Inspection Schedule and Roles: The scheme outlines specific inspection frequencies for various offices under MoRTH, NHAI, and NHIDCL:

• At the Regional Office Level:

(i) Regional Offices of MoRTH: Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, Regional Officers/ELO and their deputies are to inspect monthly.

(ii) Regional Offices of NHAI: Chief General Managers/General Manager cum Regional Officer and their deputies are responsible for monthly reviews.

(iii) Regional Offices of NHIDCL: Executive Directors and their deputies will conduct monthly inspections.

• At PIU/NH Division Level:

(i) Ministry’s PIUs/NH Divisions (PWD/BRO): Executive Engineers and their deputies will inspect twice monthly.

(ii) NHIDCL PIUs: Project directors and managerial staff will also conduct bimonthly reviews.

Periodic Review and Monitoring: The Apex Body of Highway Administration will conduct regular reviews to monitor the status of encroachments along National Highways. Additionally, regional officers from MoRTH, NHAI, and NHIDCL are required to perform bimonthly reviews to ensure timely identification and resolution of such issues.

Contractors and concessionaires are required to maintain constant vigilance over their project areas, ensuring prompt removal of encroachments as per contractual agreements. Furthermore, Authority Engineers, Independent Engineers, and Supervision Consultants are directed to report such instances to the Highway Administrations without delay. Authority Engineers, Independent Engineers, and Supervision Consultants must report such instances in their Monthly Progress and Maintenance Reports.

This comprehensive scheme consolidates existing circulars and introduces structured processes for safeguarding the integrity of National Highways. By clearly defining roles and leveraging contractual obligations, the Ministry aims to ensure safe, encroachment-free roadways nationwide.