MoRTH Seeks State Input on New Urban and Road Policies

09 Sep 2025 CW Team

Urban Decongestion Policy

The proposed Urban Decongestion Policy targets cities with populations exceeding one lakh, focusing on reducing traffic bottlenecks on National Highways via access-controlled ring roads, bypasses, and elevated corridors. The policy stresses alignment with urban master plans to prevent unplanned urban sprawl and ensure highway infrastructure integrates with city development.

It also proposes flexible financing mechanisms, including cost-sharing models and tools like Value Capture Financing (VCF), to accelerate implementation timelines.

Reusing Inert Waste for Highway Embankments

To support both road building and sustainable waste management, the Ministry is promoting the use of inert landfill waste for highway embankment construction, reducing dependence on natural soil and lowering costs. Pilot projects such as UER-II in Delhi and the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway have proven the technical and economic viability of this approach.

MoRTH has identified 15 major dump sites—representing about 50 per cent of India’s 1.2 billion tonnes (1,200 lakh MT) of legacy waste—for integration with upcoming highway projects. MoUs are planned with respective municipal bodies for the reuse of inert materials from these locations.

State Road Development Policy

The draft State Road Development Policy proposes central assistance to upgrade high-traffic State Highways to four lanes or more, using a Centre-State cost-sharing model and attracting private capital through PPP models. The initiative is aimed at improving regional connectivity, cutting travel time, and enhancing linkages between state and national road networks.

Proposed Legal Amendments

Amendments to the National Highways Act, 1956 are under consideration to streamline land acquisition, improve transparency, and strengthen dispute resolution. Simplified compensation mechanisms and clearer public notification practices are central to the reform.

Furthermore, the Ministry is emphasising stricter enforcement of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002. Provisions include delegating powers to District Magistrates to act swiftly against encroachments, enabling more efficient project delivery.

Inter-Ministerial Presentations and State Feedback

Senior MoRTH officials presented the objectives and design of the proposed policies, with participation from allied departments including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The event featured consultations with State and UT representatives who discussed regional priorities, implementation hurdles, and shared best practices.

Constructive suggestions were received and will be considered in finalising the policy frameworks, ensuring they remain regionally practical, inclusive, and implementation-ready. These consultations mark a significant step towards collaborative infrastructure governance and urban transport planning at a national level.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) convened a State Consultation Conference on 3 September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, with Ministers of State Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra in attendance. The aim was to gather inputs from State and Union Territory governments on key policy frameworks under finalisation, which are expected to shape coordinated infrastructure and urban development along India’s National Highway network.Urban Decongestion PolicyThe proposed Urban Decongestion Policy targets cities with populations exceeding one lakh, focusing on reducing traffic bottlenecks on National Highways via access-controlled ring roads, bypasses, and elevated corridors. The policy stresses alignment with urban master plans to prevent unplanned urban sprawl and ensure highway infrastructure integrates with city development.It also proposes flexible financing mechanisms, including cost-sharing models and tools like Value Capture Financing (VCF), to accelerate implementation timelines.Reusing Inert Waste for Highway EmbankmentsTo support both road building and sustainable waste management, the Ministry is promoting the use of inert landfill waste for highway embankment construction, reducing dependence on natural soil and lowering costs. Pilot projects such as UER-II in Delhi and the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway have proven the technical and economic viability of this approach.MoRTH has identified 15 major dump sites—representing about 50 per cent of India’s 1.2 billion tonnes (1,200 lakh MT) of legacy waste—for integration with upcoming highway projects. MoUs are planned with respective municipal bodies for the reuse of inert materials from these locations.State Road Development PolicyThe draft State Road Development Policy proposes central assistance to upgrade high-traffic State Highways to four lanes or more, using a Centre-State cost-sharing model and attracting private capital through PPP models. The initiative is aimed at improving regional connectivity, cutting travel time, and enhancing linkages between state and national road networks.Proposed Legal AmendmentsAmendments to the National Highways Act, 1956 are under consideration to streamline land acquisition, improve transparency, and strengthen dispute resolution. Simplified compensation mechanisms and clearer public notification practices are central to the reform.Furthermore, the Ministry is emphasising stricter enforcement of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002. Provisions include delegating powers to District Magistrates to act swiftly against encroachments, enabling more efficient project delivery.Inter-Ministerial Presentations and State FeedbackSenior MoRTH officials presented the objectives and design of the proposed policies, with participation from allied departments including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The event featured consultations with State and UT representatives who discussed regional priorities, implementation hurdles, and shared best practices.Constructive suggestions were received and will be considered in finalising the policy frameworks, ensuring they remain regionally practical, inclusive, and implementation-ready. These consultations mark a significant step towards collaborative infrastructure governance and urban transport planning at a national level.

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