In a significant move towards enhancing transparency and efficiency in infrastructure development, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has unveiled a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the sanctioning process of new green field National Highway projects. Effective April 1, 2024, this SOP mandates that projects costing over Rs. 500 crore (Civil cost), not included in Bharatmala Pariyojana or the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP), must undergo scrutiny by the Network Planning Group (NPG) for feedback and suggestions.
Under this SOP, project proponents such as NHAI, NHIDCL, Ministry’s Project Zones, and BRO are required to submit comprehensive reports of proposed projects to the Planning Zone, adhering to prescribed formats. These submissions must include PowerPoint presentations covering various planning aspects, ensuring a holistic overview from logistical to multi-modal integration perspectives.
Upon submission, the Ministry will seek NPG’s convenience to organize meetings for project discussions. During these meetings, project proponents will present their proposals, incorporating suggestions and comments provided by NPG within 15 days thereafter.
Prior to final appraisal and approval by NHAI Board, EFC, SFC, PIB, a final Detailed Project Report (DPR) and summary note, incorporating NPG’s feedback, will be shared with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This step aims to ensure comprehensive documentation and alignment with broader infrastructure goals.
Furthermore, the SOP emphasizes the importance of seeking NPG’s convenience for projects early in the planning phase, even before investment decision processes commence. Discussions are encouraged to be held prior to the preparation of draft 3D notifications.
Projects involving general upgrades of National Highway stretches as per Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards will also undergo scrutiny by the Ministry, with information on such projects provided monthly to ensure the latest network data for effective planning and execution.