Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Grants Special Approval for Oxychlorination Reactor Transport

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a significant notification on August 11, 2025, granting specific approval for the road transportation of two Oxychlorination Reactors. This delegated legislation, designated as S.O. 3670(E), was enacted by the Central Government under the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of Section 58 and sub-section (3)(a) of Section 110 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The notification specifically permitted the movement of these over-dimensional consignments from Ulwe jetty, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Reliance Nagothane, Maharashtra, for a period of twelve months from its date of issue. The approval detailed the maximum safe laden weight, Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), and dimensions for the consignment, which included two Oxychlorination Reactors with an unladen weight of 84 metric tons each, a consignment weight of 329 metric tons, and a laden weight of 413 metric tons, with an overall dimension of 23.35 meters in length and 7.05 meters in width. The transporter, Total Movement Pvt. Ltd., was authorized to utilize specific Prime Movers, including VOLVO-520 HP models, and independently registered modular hydraulic Trailers, such as Goldhofer models with varying axle configurations and permissible GVWs. The legislation provided: “The Central Government hereby accords approval for period of twelve months from the date of issue of this notification for transportation of two Oxychlorination from Ulwe jetty, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra to Reliance Nagothane, Maharashtra by road with maximum safe laden weight/Gross Vehicles Weight and dimensions, as mentioned in the schedule appended hereto.” This notification came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette on August 11, 2025.

The legislative intent behind this notification was to facilitate the movement of critical industrial equipment that, due to its size and weight, falls outside the standard regulatory framework for road transport. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, provides the statutory framework for regulating motor vehicles, but also includes provisions, specifically Sections 58(3) and 110(3)(a), that allow the Central Government to grant special dispensations for over-dimensional consignments (ODC) and heavy haulage. This addresses the statutory gaps that would otherwise impede the transportation of such specialized cargo essential for industrial projects. The notification outlined a precise route from Ulwe jetty to Reliance Nagothane, passing through various towns and bypasses in Maharashtra, and imposed stringent conditions on the transporter. These conditions included observing load restrictions stipulated by various authorities like the Public Works Department, local authorities, and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), obtaining necessary prior permissions for the removal of obstructions like hoardings or transmission lines, and providing advance intimation to concerned authorities. The transporter was also made liable for any damage caused to roads, structures, or other road users due to the movement of the trailers. Further obligations included ensuring the vehicles displayed danger flags and lights, were preceded and followed by escort vehicles, maintained a maximum speed of 5 km/hr, and were marked with yellow and black zebra stripes for visibility. Compliance with road taxes, fitness certificates, insurance (including Third Party Insurance), National Permits, and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates was mandated for all vehicles involved. The notification also required the activation of installed Vehicle Location Tracking (VLT) Devices, as per AIS-140 standards, during transit, ensuring accountability and monitoring throughout the transportation process.

Keywords: Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Oxychlorination Reactor, Heavy Haulage, Over Dimensional Consignment, Road Transport, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Maharashtra, Ulwe jetty, Nagothane

Geo Tags: India, Maharashtra
District: Not Applicable