Central Government Amends National Highways Schedule, Defines New Route for NH-716B

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a notification, S.O. 3952(E), on August 28, 2025, to introduce a further amendment to the Schedule appended to the National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956). This delegated legislation was enacted by the Central Government in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 2 of the said Act. The notification specifically substituted the entry for serial number 506 in the Schedule, which had been previously established by a notification dated April 4, 2011 (S.O. 689(E)) and subsequently amended on August 20, 2025 (S.O. 3828). The amendment formally redefines a significant section of the national highway network, impacting road infrastructure and connectivity across specific regions. This notification came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette on August 28, 2025.

The legislative intent behind this notification was to provide a precise and updated description for a particular National Highway, ensuring clarity in the official records and for administrative purposes. The earlier legal position saw the Schedule to the National Highways Act, 1956, undergo substitution in 2011 and subsequent amendments, reflecting the dynamic nature of infrastructure development. This current amendment addresses the need to accurately delineate the route of National Highway 716B, thereby filling any potential gaps or ambiguities in the statutory framework regarding its alignment. The amendment introduces a new description for National Highway No. 716B, detailing its course through multiple locations across two states. The legislation provided: “The highway starting from its junction with NE-7 near Varadarajulapalle Village (Chittoor) connecting Varathuru, Kanikapuram in the State of Andhra Pradesh, Kumarajapet in the State of Tamil Nadu, Veera Kaveri Raja Puram in the State of Andhra Pradesh, Pondavakkam and terminating at its junction with NH-716A near Kannigaipair in the state of Tamil Nadu.” This detailed description ensures that the designated route is officially recognized, facilitating its management, maintenance, and future development. The notification effectively substitutes the previous entry for serial number 506, thereby updating the statutory definition of this part of the national highway network.

Keywords: National Highways Act, 1956, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, National Highway 716B, highway amendment, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, road infrastructure, official gazette, delegated legislation

Geo Tags: India, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
District: Chittoor