The Bengal government has approved the transfer of seven national highway stretches to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The decision follows reviews by the state transport and public works departments and aligns with efforts to centralise management of key corridors. Authorities described the move as part of an administrative realignment to strengthen oversight and technical capacity. The approval was granted during a cabinet meeting that authorised the necessary notifications and record transfers. Under the arrangement, the NHAI and NHIDCL will assume responsibility for upkeep, capacity enhancements and safety audits along the identified sections. The handover is part of a broader strategy to bring larger stretches under central agency oversight to improve engineering standards and project execution. Administrative formalities and transfer of records were completed to facilitate a smooth transition. The transfer covers land records, utility clearances and contractual obligations connected to ongoing projects on the stretches. Central agencies will inherit project documentation and execution schedules to ensure continuity of work and avoid delays. District administrations will remain involved in local coordination and traffic management during upgrade activities. The NHAI and NHIDCL will supervise tendering for new works, manage long term maintenance regimes and oversee technical audits for pavement and bridge safety. The move aims to harmonise safety norms, pavement standards and traffic management practices across the stretches. Revenue sharing and compensation arrangements for state assets were incorporated in the handover framework. Transport specialists said centralised management can accelerate technical approvals and standardise maintenance protocols, reducing fragmentation in delivery. Officials indicated monitoring mechanisms and milestone reporting will be used to track progress after the transfer. The state government will continue to engage with central agencies to align priorities and ensure infrastructure performance meets planning objectives.