The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced stringent timelines for obtaining environmental and forest clearances, as well as mandatory permissions for land acquisition, for highway projects commencing from June 1 onwards.
This move aims to mitigate construction delays, contractual disputes, and cost escalations that have previously hindered infrastructure development. The revised guidelines will impact several upcoming projects in Kerala, including the Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road, the Ernakulam Bypass, and the Kollam–Chengotta Greenfield Highway, among others. Under the new directive, all environmental and wildlife clearances must be secured before a project tender is accepted. Forest clearance, in particular, is required prior to issuing the Letter of Award (LoA).
Preparatory tasks such as obtaining General Arrangement Drawings (GADs) from the Railways and the Inland Waterways Authority and estimating the cost for relocating public utilities like power lines and pipelines must be completed before tenders are invited. Additionally, the 3A notification, which outlines the specific land parcels to be acquired, must be issued within 60 days of receiving approval for the road alignment. Other conditions include ensuring possession of at least 90% of the required land before the LoA is issued. Similarly, complete possession of the land required for constructing one-kilometre-long road stretches on both sides of bridges, railway overbridges, and tunnels must be in hand prior to awarding the contract.
These measures are expected to streamline the project implementation process, reduce delays, and enhance the efficiency of highway development in Kerala. By adhering to these stringent timelines, NHAI aims to create a more predictable and transparent framework for infrastructure development, ultimately contributing to the creation of zero net carbon, eco-friendly, sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable cities.The enforcement of these guidelines underscores NHAI’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development and its proactive approach to addressing the challenges associated with highway projects. As the deadline approaches, stakeholders are urged to expedite the necessary procedures to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
This initiative aligns with the broader vision of enhancing India’s transportation infrastructure while minimizing environmental impact and promoting social equity. By setting clear and enforceable deadlines, NHAI is taking a significant step towards achieving these objectives. As the implementation of these guidelines progresses, it will be crucial to monitor their impact on project timelines, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Continuous evaluation and adjustment of these measures will be necessary to ensure that they effectively contribute to the development of a sustainable and equitable transportation network in Kerala and beyond.
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