Ministry of road transport & highways Year-end review

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken several policy decisions in the last six years. The Ministry (MoRTH) continued with the impressive pace of work achieved during these years, and also took several steps for the benefit of citizens. During 2019-20, projects with about 8948 km length were awarded and completion was achieved in about 10,237 km length of roads. The rate of development of roads has increased significantly from about 11.7 km during 2013-14 to about 28 km now. Due to consistent efforts of the Ministry, length of the National Highways (NHs) has increased from 91,287 km in April, 2014 to about 1,36,155 km as on 20 December 2020.

Construction of National Highways

Year	award (km)	construction (km)
2020-21* (till November)	6,764	6,207
2019-20	8,948	10,237
2018-19	5,493	10,855
2017-18	17,055	9,829
2016-17	15,948	8,231
2015-16	10,098	6,061
2014-15	7,972	4,410

 

Accelerated Development of Highways

The Ministry proposes to develop additional 60,000 km of National Highways in the next five years, of which 2500 km are Expressways /Access Controlled Highways, 9000 km Economic Corridors, 2000 km for Coastal and Port Connectivity Highways and 2000 km Border Road/ Strategic Highways. The Ministry also intends to improve connectivity for 100 tourist destinations and construct Bypasses for 45 towns/cities during this period.

Expenditure of Ministry increased from Rs 33,745 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,50,841 crore in 2019-20. Also private investment amounting to Rs 21,926 crore has been achieved during 2019-20. During the current year, an expenditure of Rs 79,415 crore has already been incurred till November 2020, including IEBR of NHAI. Also private investment of Rs 8,186 crore has been achieved up to November 2020.

DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIMODAL LOGISTICS PARKS AS PART OF BHARATMALA PARIYOJANA TO ENSURE EFFICIENT AND CONGESTION-FREE MOVEMENT OF FREIGHT TRAFFIC IN THE COUNTRY

The Bharatmala Pariyojana, which is approved by CCEA, includes the development of 35 Multi-modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) at various locations across the country. These MMLPs are being developed on a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model and being implemented by NHAI and NHIDCL (in North-East India). The development of these MMLPs is one of the endeavours of the Pariyojana to eradicate Logistics related deficiencies in India, to draw the associated costs down and to strategically integrate highway projects and other connectivity initiatives like inland waterways, railways etc. in tandem with the freight distribution ecosystem.

A separate company under the NHAI named ‘National Highways Logistics Management Limited’ (NHLML) has been incorporated to carry the development of the MMLPs and works related to National Highway connectivity for ports.

A) Concept & Benefits of MMLPs

A Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) acts as an inter-modal freight-handling facility with mechanized material handling provisions which contains warehouses, specialized cold chain facilities, freight / container terminals and bulk / break-bulk cargo terminals.

Typically, MMLPs include inter-modal connectivity such as dedicated Railway line/Spur, access from prominent Highway(s) / Expressway(s) to allow movement of commercial vehicles and connectivity to an Airport or a Seaport (or Inland waterway Terminal).

As a value addition, the MMLPs shall also include services such as customs clearance, provisions for late stage processing activities such as sorting / grading, aggregation / disaggregation, cold storage etc. to provide flexibility to the users at a single location.

B) Status of MMLPs proposed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana

Since 2017, MoRTH in collaboration with NHAI and NHIDCL has progressed significantly in the implementation of the MMLP projects:

The MMLP at Jogighopa (Assam) is the first project for which the development work has been initiated. The foundation stone of the project was laid on 20.10.20 by Minister of RT&H and the same is being implemented by NHIDCL in Assam.

The MMLP at Chennai, Nagpur & Bangalore are at advanced stage of SPV formation and in case of MMLP Surat and Mumbai, a commitment for land from respective stakeholders is awaited. MMLP Sangrur (Punjab) has not been found viable for development of MMLP and a road -based Warehousing Park is found optimal for this location, which is situated along the Jammu-Katra Highway.

Further, feasibility assessment of seven more locations has been concluded and NHAI has been accorded with an approval for undertaking DPR exercises for MMLP Coimbatore & Hyderabad which has been found feasible in terms of demand analysis as per pre-feasibility report.

On a similar pattern, feasibility studies are to be carried out for the remaining 21 locations to assess the viability of development as per potential of Industrial demand, land availability etc. Additionally, 4 more locations viz. Anantpur (AP), Singrauli (MP), Sahebganj (Jharkhand) and Silchar (Assam) have been recommended by the respective State governments for development of MMLP under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The feasibility assessment of these four additional locations is also being undertaken.

Development of dedicated National Highway Connectivity for Ports (as part of Bharatmala Pariyojana):

a) The MoRTH is committed to enhance the ports logistics ecosystem and is working hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Shipping to develop dedicated first mile national highway connectivity for certain identified ports & IWT terminals.

b) This effort is expected to eradicate multiple traffic related issues such as:

* Removal of congestion points in city locations where the Cargo vehicles directed towards ports meets city traffic by means of lane expansion / lane & grade separation

* Reduction in delays caused due to restrictions on commercial vehicles movement during certain hours of the day as per state/Local Urban regulations

* Reduction in road accidents through separation of Commercial and Passenger vehicle traffic

Augmenting Finances through Innovative Instruments

With a view to augmenting sources of funding for NH projects, the NHAI intends to raise Rs 1 lakh crore through Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) Model of asset monetization in the next five years. Finances are also likely to accrue from Securitization of Toll Revenues as well as the setting up of Infra Investment Trust (InvIT). Other steps being taken by NHAI include financing new projects through National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) supported SPVs.

Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) and Securitization of user fee receipts of NHs

With a view to expanding the project base available with NHAI for monetization under TOT mode and for raising finance against toll receipts from identified Public Funded/Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) projects through securitization, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has accorded the approval (vide communication no. CCEA/20/2019 (i) dated 25.11.2019 ) for allowing NHAI to raise long term finance from banks by securitizing the user fee receipts from fee plazas as alternate mode of asset monetization.

NHAI has been authorized by the Ministry in August, 2020 to form Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), wholly owned by NHAI, for financing, construction and operation of Delhi-Mumbai Greenfield Expressway under Companies Act 2013, which will work on raising low interest capital through securitization of user fee receipts. Securitization would offer an alternative mode for raising finance against toll receipts from identified Public Funded/HAM projects. Securitization as a model entails the generation of upfront funds against the future cash flows generated by select assets.

Infrastructure Investment Trusts

In order to enhance NHAI’s resource mobilization, the Cabinet has accorded the  approval (vide communication 39/CM/2019(i) dated 13.12.2019) authorizing NHAI to set up Infrastructure Investment Trust (s), as per InvIT Guidelines issued by SEBI, to monetize completed National Highways that have a toll collection track record of at least one year and NHAI reserves the right to levy toll on the identified highway and incorporate SPV(s), which are essential and integral part of the entire InvIT structure.

An SPV to hold all identified public funded projects to be placed in an InvIT

An SPV to act as an Investment Manager in the proposed InvIT

NHAI is authorized to create a reserve fund from the sums received from InvIT, which shall be kept in a separate account for repayment of debt. The investment management company in this regard has been formed and the Board of Directors have been appointed with the approval of Government.

CHANGES IN THE PROVISIONS OF THE MODEL CONCESSION RELATING TO BOT (TOLL) MODEL, TOT MODEL AND HAM

Following important policy decisions relating to BOT (Toll) Model, TOT Model and HAM taken during 2020:

(i) Changes in Model Concession Agreement(MCA) of BOT (Toll) Project: Considering the key challenges of BOT (Toll) framework faced by stakeholders, changes in the BOT (Toll) framework keeping in mind the reforms related to Project Preparation and Conditions Precedents, Dispute Resolution and limitation of liability, Ease of Doing Business, incorporation of new policies such as policy for Harmonious Substitution, policy for resolution of stuck projects etc. and other miscellaneous reforms such as use of latest technology for traffic and road condition monitoring, Additional Performance Security etc. have been issued (Ministry’s OM No. NH-35014/25/2017-H dated 24.08.2020 and 25.08.2020).

(ii) Changes in MCA of TOT framework: Change in the MCA of TOT Model allowing non-disclosure of the Initial Estimated Concession Value (IECV) before the bidding process for the TOT bids has been issued (Ministry’s OM No. NH-24031107/2014-P&P (Vol V) dated 22.09.2020).

(iii) Changes in MCA of HAM model: In order to address the issues relating to NH Projects under Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) raised by stakeholders, changes in the provisions relating to Change in Ownership (Exit Option), Shifting of Utilities, Maintenance during Construction Period, Financial Close, Payment during Construction Period, applicable Bank Rate, Mobilization Advance, Termination Payment and Dispute Resolution etc. in the MCA of HAM have been made, and revised MCA of HAM incorporating these changes has been issued (Ministry’s OM No. 24028/14/2014-H(Vol. II) dated 10^th November, 2020).

(iv) Modification in Bidding Documents:

(a) Change in Financial Capacity for HAM: Allows bidder to have minimum Net Worth of 15% of EPC at the close of the preceding financial year. Provided further that each member of the Consortium shall have a minimum Net Worth of 7.5% of Estimated Project Cost in the immediately preceding financial year.

(b) Change in Technical Capacity for HAM and BOT (Toll) projects: Core sector would be deemed to include civil construction cost of power sector, commercial setups (SEZs etc.), telecom, ports, airports, railways, metro rail, industrial parks/ estates, logistic parks, pipelines, irrigation, water supply, stadium, hospitals, hotel, smart city, warehouses/ Silos, oil and gas, sewerage and real estate development.

The capital cost of the project should be more than 5% of the amount specified as Estimated Project Cost; and

The payments/receipts of less than 5% of the amount specified as Estimated Project Cost

(c) Change in Bidding document for Tunnel projects

ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT: RELIEF FOR CONTRACTORS/ DEVELOPERS OF ROAD SECTOR

As an integral part of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the following measures have been taken by the MoRTH for providing relief to Contractors/ Developers/Concessionaires of Road Sector from the impact of COVID, subsequent lockdown and other measures taken to prevent spread of COVID.

Relief to the contractors, concessionaries and developers of road sector

(i) Retention money (which is a part of the Performance Security till construction period) is recommended to be released in proportion to the work already executed in accordance with the Contract specification and further retention money from the period from 3 months to up to 6 months may not be deducted from the Bills raised by the Contractor. For HAM/ BOT Contracts, Performance Guarantee can be released on pro-rata basis of that as provided in the Contract, if Concessionaire is not in breach of the Contract.

(ii) Extension of Time to Contractor/ Concessionaire for meeting their obligation under the Contract for 3 months to up to 6 months depending on site conditions.

(iii) Relaxation in Schedule H to provide monthly payment to the Contractor for the work done and accepted as per the specification of the contract during the month EPC/HAM Contract.

(iv) Direct payment to approved Sub-Contractor through Escrow Account.

(v) Waiver of penalty for delay in submission of Performance Security/ Bank Guarantee in new Contract entered into during March, 2020 to September, 2020.

(vi) To allow Extension of Time to Consultants i.e IE/AE for 3 to 6 months depending on site condition. During this Force Majeure Event, they may be considered as if they were on duty.

(vii) BOT/ TOT Concessionaire: Before CoD, the concession period of BOT contracts shall be extended by a period equal in length to the duration of 3 months to up to 6 months. Further, for loss in collection of user fee, the concession period shall be extended by a period in accordance with the Contract till the time daily collection is below 90% of the average daily fee.

(viii) For all National Highway Tolling Contracts, loss in collection of fee may be compensated in accordance with the Contract.

MAJOR INITIATIVES UNDER MOTOR VEHICLE LEGISLATION

The Motor Vehicle Act 1988 regulates the aspects of road transport and Highways. The Act provides in detail the legislative provisions regarding registration of motor vehicles, licensing of drivers, application for new learners’ license, license of conductors, control of motor vehicles through permits, special provisions relating to state transport undertakings, traffic regulation, insurance, offences and penalties, etc. For exercising the legislative provisions of the Act, the Government of India made the Central Motor Vehicles Rules in 1989.

To manage the above rules, two extensive systems namely Vahan and Sarathi have been created by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. These systems have been the backbone of more than 15 applications utilized across the country in different systems. More systems like CNG Maker, SLD Maker, Homologation, National Permit, NR Services, VLT&EAS, eChallan, Fancy Number booking, PUCC etc have been introduced and have been revolutionary in e-governance across States/UTs.

(1) VAHAN: VAHAN is a flagship application under the e-Transport Mission Mode Project, related to Vehicle Registration, Permit, Taxation, Fitness and allied processes. Further, it is customized for each State’s requirements and currently implemented in 33 States / UTs across the country.

Its latest version, VAHAN 4.0, launched on 2^nd June, 2015, is a centralized, web enabled application, facilitating easy web-based access to all RTOs, Dealers, Citizens, Transporters and various other stakeholders, while configurability of the application allows addressing state specific customizations. It is currently implemented in more than 1300 RTOs, in the 33 states/ UTs of the country. Apart from this, more than 25,000 Vehicle Dealers and approximately 20,000 PUCC Centres are also connected to VAHAN 4.0.

(2) SARATHI: SARATHI is a flagship application under the e-Transport Mission Mode Project facilitated for computerization of Driving License related services. It is a one-stop solution for issuance of Driving License, Learner License and related services under types of licenses issued by the Transport Department.

Its latest version, SARATHI 4.0 launched on 2^nd June, 2015, is a workflow-based application, available in web-based, centralized mode. It is a single solution with varied number of configurable options to cater to the various types of requirements in implementation in different states. It helps in management of Driving, Learner, Conductor and Driving School licenses in RTOs. The application has been customized for each State’s requirements and is currently implemented in over 1300 RTOs, across the 33 States /UTs in the country.

(3) eChallan: eChallan, launched by Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari on 10^th January, 2017, was developed on android platform for comprehensive enforcement solution and is complemented by a web application. The prime users are the Transport Enforcement Officers and the Traffic Police personnel. Through this App, on-the-spot challan can be issued for any type of traffic violations and the same can be followed up through different stages of processing. This is a very user-friendly App with a number of advanced features and allows State-level customization, geo-tagging, integration with Google maps, on-spot photographs, online-offline options, integration with e-payment, back-end VAHAN-SARATHI databases and so on. Today, it is an efficient and transparent challan management system where direct notifications to users are being sent even through automated devices. The system has been adopted by 24 States and more than 4.2 Cr challans have been issued across the country till date using this system.

(4) mParivahan: mParivahan , launched by Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari in January, 2017, was developed for citizens and transport operators who can access various transport related services like payment of Road Tax, applying for various services, appointment with RTO, uploading documents etc. It provides a very unique feature of virtual Driving License and virtual Vehicle Registration Certificate through back-end connectivity to the Transport National Register, encrypted QR code and Aadhaar-based authentication – which allows an option to replace existing physical documents/ cards with the secured, enforceable, digital identities. The App also has other informative feature, accident reporting module, violation reporting module and so on.

Implementation Status:

• More than 4.0 Crore downloads
• Applicable across the country
• Available in Android & iOS versions

Almost 28 crore Vehicle records and 17 crore License records are available in its central repository (National Registry). The consolidated data acts as the base for a large number of online citizen-centric applications and information services. This National Repository is being utilized to roll out integration of additional features relating to road and public safety such as:

(a) Integration of Pollution under Check (PUC) details in VAHAN database: The application provides a complete range of services related to PUC Station Registration, Renewal, Issue of PUCC for the Vehicles, collection of online/counter fees, SMS services etc.

Developed under the auspices of MoRTH and customized for each State’s requirements, this application is currently implemented in 13 states/UTs across the country.

PUCC is a web-enabled application, which is deployed on a centralized environment and accessible through web to all RTOs, PUC Stations, Citizens.

(b) Integration of Vehicle Location Tracking device and emergency buttons details in VAHAN database: The application has been developed with the aim of equipping all public service vehicles (buses, taxis, etc.) with VLTD, as per AIS: 140, along with provision of an Emergency (Panic) button, towards ensuring a sense of safety, in tandem with increased responsibility among the Public Service Vehicle owners/ operators.

(c) Integration of Speed Limiting Device/Speed Governor details in VAHAN database: In a move to ensure a sense of safety among citizens, through controlled and responsible driving, MoRTH has issued advisory for Transport Vehicles (cabs, buses, trucks, etc.): the vehicles are to be fitted with SLDs/ Speed Governors.

To efficiently accomplish that, a new web-based system has been developed for Speed Governor/ SLD manufacturers to upload the approved inventory of their product and ensure further integration of the devices with VAHAN 4.0.

(d) Integration of Insurance data with VAHAN database: To increase the number of insured vehicles in India, Ministry has integrated the insurance data available with Insurance Information Bureau (IIB) with the VAHAN portal. It enables the enforcement officer to get information about the uninsured vehicles plying in their respective States/UTs.

(5) Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019: The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 is the principal instrument through which road transport is regulated in the country. The same has been amended for the first time in a comprehensive way, after 30 by The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, passed by the Parliament and published in the Gazette of India on 9th August 2019.

13031. Amendment Act is expected to bring reforms in the area of Road Safety, bring citizen facilitation, transparency and reduce corruption with the help of information technology and removing intermediaries. The Act will strengthen Road Safety scenario in the country, provide for Citizen Facilitation, Transparency and Reduction in Corruption, provide for Insurance and Compensation related reforms, Empowerment of States and Strengthening Public Transport.

Key provisions in Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019:

• Mandatory fitness test through Automated Centres
• New provision for ELV
• New Section on Vehicle Recall
• Safety of Pedestrians and Non-Motorized Transport
• Safety of Children during Commuting
• Electronic Monitoring and Enforcement of Road Safety
• New Section for Good Samaritan, Golden Hour treatment, No fault liability

Penalties

• Schemes for interim relief for accident victim claimants
• Constitution of Motor Vehicle Accident Relief Fund
• Formulation of Road Safety Board

MoRTH has appointed 1st day of September 2019 as the date on which around sixty sections of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 had come into force.

(6) Implementation of certain sections of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 and Rules required: The Ministry has notified for the enforcement of section 45, 74, 88, 90 and sub-clause (b) of clause (i) section 91 of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 w.e.f. 1^st Oct 2020 which relates to Protection of Good Samaritans, using vehicles without registration, power of police officer for impounding documents, Use of electronic forms and documents and publications, commencement and laying of rules and notifications.

The rules for operationalising the notified provisions have been published through notification. The rules provide for the definition of Challan. Provision has been made for a Portal, which provides services through IT and enables electronic monitoring and enforcement.

Details of driving licences disqualified or revoked by the licensing authority shall be recorded chronologically in the portal. Thus, a record shall be maintained electronically and further the driver’s behaviour would be monitored.

Provisions have been made for the procedure for production and obtaining certificates in physical as well as electronic form, the validity and issuance of such documents, the date and time stamping of inspection and identity of the Officer concerned. It has been provided that if the details of the documents are found validated through electronic means by the enforcement officer, then physical forms of such documents shall not be demanded for inspection, including in cases where there is an offence made out necessitating seizure of any such documents.

Further, upon demanding or inspecting any documents, the date and time stamp of inspection and identity of the police officer in uniform or any other officer authorized by the State Government, shall be recorded on the Portal. This would help in avoiding unnecessary re-checking or inspection of vehicles and further remove a cause of harassment to the drivers.

It has been provided that the use of handheld communications devices while driving shall solely be used for route navigation in such a manner that shall not disturb the concentration of the driver while driving.

(7) Rules for the protection of Good Samaritans: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 inserted a new section 134A, viz., “Protection of Good Samaritans” which provides for the definition of a Good Samaritan and safeguards for them.

The rules have been published by the Ministry, which provide for the rights of Good Samaritan, and that he/she shall be treated respectfully without any discrimination on the grounds of religion, nationality, caste or sex.

The rules, inter alia, provide that no police officer or any other person, shall compel a Good Samaritan to disclose the name, identity, address or any such other personal details: provided that the Good Samaritan may voluntarily choose to disclose his /her name. Every public and private hospital shall publish a charter in Hindi, English and vernacular language, at the entrance or other conspicuous location and on their website, stating the rights of Good Samaritans under the Act and the rules. For the examination of Good Samaritan, if a person has voluntarily agreed to become a witness in the case in which he has acted as a Good Samaritan, he shall be examined in accordance with the provisions of this rule and detailed guidelines and process have been mentioned in the rules.

(8) Multiplier under Section 210A by State Government: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 provides that the State Governments can have a multiplier up to 10 times for the penalties for offences relating to Motor Vehicles. This was provided for further deterrence from violations.

The Ministry has notified the conditions to be taken into consideration by the State Government for the purposes of specifying a multiplier under Section 210A, which include data collected by the Central Government or State Government pertaining to road safety, traffic management, offences committed, fines and penalties levied; or Advice rendered by National Road Safety Board, National Road Safety Council or State Road Safety Council, either suo moto or on reference made by the Central Government or State Government.

(9) Amendments in various Forms of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 to include the field of “Mobile Number”: With the enactment of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019, there are certain provisions in regard to the Driving Licence and the Certificate of Registration which had required an amendment to the forms in CMVR 1989 to include the field of “Mobile Number” of the owner, so that citizens may be facilitated with various transport related services. It will further facilitate IT- based detection of traffic offences and dispatch of information relating to the offences through SMS. The Ministry, through notification, amended various Forms of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 to include the field of “Mobile Number”.

(10) Extension of validity of the documents related to Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989: In pursuant to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs vide No.40-3/2020-DM-I(A), dated 24^th March 2020, regarding imposition of complete lockdown due to outbreak of COVID-19, MoRTH had issued advisories dated 30th March, 2020 and 9th June, 2020 to all States and Union Territories regarding extension of validity of the documents related to Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. It was advised that the validity of Fitness, Permit (all types), License, Registration and other related document(s) may be treated as valid till 30th of September 2020.

Taking into consideration the grim situation still continuing due to conditions for prevention of spread of COVID-19 across the country, it was further advised that the validity of all of the above referred Documents whose validity could not be renewed or was not likely be renewed due to lockdown, may be treated to be valid till 31st of December 2020. Enforcement authorities were advised to treat such documents valid till 31st of December 2020. This measure was undertaken to help out citizens in availing transport related services.

(11) Relaxation of such fees as prescribed under Rule 32 and 81 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 till 31st July, 2020: In order to prevent inconvenience and harassment to Citizens for the renewal of documents for which the fees have already been paid, or in cases where the fees were required to be paid for renewal but citizens were not able to pay the fees due to conditions of the COVID lockdown, the Ministry, through notification, provided relaxation of such fees as prescribed under Rule 32 and 81 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 till 31st July, 2020.

12. Facilitative regulation published by the Ministry for enabling the Citizens with mild to medium colour blindness in obtaining the Driving License: The Ministry has been taking several measures to enable Divyangjan citizens to avail transport related services, especially related to obtaining Driving Licence. Advisories were issued earlier in regard to facilitating driving licence to the Divyangjan as also for people with monocular vision.

The Ministry received representations that Colour Blind Citizens were not able to have the driving licence made owing to requirements in the declaration about physical fitness (FORM I) or the Medical certificate (FORM IA).

The issue was taken up with a Medical Expert Institution and advice was sought. The recommendations received were to allow Mild to Medium Colour Blind Citizens to drive and put restrictions only on the severe colour blind citizens from driving. This has been allowed in other parts of the world. The Ministry has amended Form 1 and Form1A to enable citizens with mild to medium colour blindness to obtain Driving License.

(13) Advisory on Rent a cab scheme, 1989 and Rent a Motorcycle Scheme, 1997: In 1989, this Ministry notified guidelines for “Rent-a-cab” scheme and, in 1997, for “Rent-a-motorcycle” scheme. These Vehicles are used by tourists, corporate officials, business travellers and families on holiday.

Based on issues received from certain stakeholders, the Ministry issued an advisory in implementing “Rent a Motor Cab/Cycle Schemes” on 1 June 2020, with the following points:

a. A person driving a Commercial Vehicle, carrying a valid driving license /IDP and a copy of license for renting motor cab (Form 3/4) or for the motor cycle (Form 2) of respective scheme, should not be insisted for any badge.

b. “Rent–a-motorcycle scheme” be implemented and licenses to operators may be considered.

c. Further, two wheelers with license under “Rent-a-Motorcycle Scheme” be allowed to drive across the States on payment of relevant taxes.

(14) Providing a green strip 1 cm thick on the sticker of registration details on four wheelers for BS VI vehicles: BS-VI emission standards, which have been mandated w.e.f. 1st April, 2020, provide for strict emission norms. The identifying feature in the form of a unique strip of green colour, 1 cm wide on top of the existing third registration sticker, has been mandated for the purpose of BS-VI vehicles of any fuel type i.e. for petrol or CNG which have a light blue colour sticker and a diesel vehicle, which has an orange colour sticker.

(15) Dimension of Vehicles: The Ministry through notification has amended Rule-93 which relates to the dimensions of motor vehicles under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989.

This amendment would provide for standardization in the dimensions of Motor Vehicles, which would be in line with international standards and would improve the logistics efficiency in the country, as the enhanced dimensions would provide for extra passengers or extra carrying capacity within the prescribed weight.

(16) All India Tourist Vehicles Authorization and Permit Rules, 2020: Travel and tourism industry in our country have increased manifold in the last 10-15 years. This growth has been contributed by both domestic and international tourists, and there is a trend of high expectation and enhanced consumer experience. MoRTH is in the pursuit of providing seamless movement to the tourist passenger vehicles after the success of goods carriage vehicle under National Permit Regime. The draft “All India Tourist Vehicles Authorization and Permit Rules, 2020” have been published for public and stakeholders’ consultation.

Under this new scheme, any tourist vehicle operator may apply for an “All India Tourist Authorization/Permit” through online mode. All such authorizations/permits shall be issued, after all relevant documents submitted as stipulated in the rules and due fees deposited towards such authorization/permit, within 30 days of submission of such applications, subject to all compliances being met by such applicant, as one-stop solution.

(17) Colour of the alpha numerals and the back ground of registration plate for different class and category of vehicles: The Ministry had issued many orders for the regulation and prescription of the colour, size etc. of the vehicle registration plates since 1989. Certain ambiguities have been noticed in case of a few categories of vehicles. In order to correct the anomalies, this Ministry notified a thorough tabulation of items so that it clearly enunciates the colour of the alpha numerals and the back ground of registration plate for different classes and categories of vehicles.

(18) Providing for new features of Tyre repair kit in cars and updated standards for certain items in two wheelers: The Ministry has made amendments in CMVR 1989 for providing the specification for the Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for vehicles up to maximum mass of 3.5 Tonnes. TPMS monitors the inflation pressure of the tyre or its variation, while the vehicle is running, and transmits the information to the driver, thereby providing advance information to the driver and enhances road safety, if fitted in the Vehicle. The standard is also notified for two wheeler foot rest requirements. Provision has been made to allow the pillion rider on two wheelers, even in case a light weight container is placed behind the pillion rider space, provided the criteria for dimensions and the gross vehicle weight (as specified by the vehicle manufacturer and approved by the testing agency) are met.

(19) Registration / Driving Licence concerns for Road Building and Rehabilitation equipment and Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) under Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989: An advisory has been issued to all States and UTs for not seeking the registration of Road building and Rehabilitation equipment (wheeled cold milling machine, wheeled soil stabilizers machine, wheeled cold recycler equipment, machines etc.) and HEMM such as Dumpers, Payloaders, Shovels, Drill Master, Bulldozers, Motor Grader and Rock breakers. It was further clarified that they are transported from one location to another through carriage on another vehicle, and do not ply on road themselves. Further, equipment used within the mining premises are operated by the specialists and not to be insisted for Driving Licence till the time these equipments come to the public place.

(20) Separate emission norms for Agricultural machinery and Construction Equipment Vehicles: The Ministry, after considering the requests, especially from the Ministry of Agriculture, has notified draft notification proposing to amend CMVR 1989 to separate the emission norms for Agricultural machinery (agricultural tractors, power tillers and combined harvesters) and Construction Equipment Vehicles, and change the nomenclature of emission norms from Bharat Stage (CEV/TREM)–IV and Bharat Stage (CEV/TREM)–V to TREM Stage-IV and TREM Stage-V for Agricultural Tractors and other Equipments and CEV Stage – IV and CEV Stage-V for the Construction Equipment Vehicles, respectively.

This has been done to avoid any confusion, between the emission norms of other Motor vehicles which have BS as norms. An extension of one year has also been proposed for implementation of the next stage of emission norms for agricultural tractors and vehicles.

(21) Amendment in CMVR, 1989 regarding safety requirements for Construction Equipment Vehicles: The Ministry has issued notification for amendment in CMVR, 1989 to address the issue of safety of the operator while Construction Equipment Vehicles are running on public roads, along with other vehicles, in a phased manner, Phase-I-April 21; Phase-II-April 24. CMVR has also been amended to cater for the requirements with respect to pass- by noise and noise measured at operator ear level.

(22) Amendment in FORM 20 of the CMVR 1989 to capture detailed ownership type and facilitation to Divyangjan: It has come to the notice of the Ministry that the ownership details are not properly reflected under ownership in various FORMS under CMVR, which is required for registration of the Motor Vehicles. In order to capture detailed ownership type, Ministry has published notification to amend Form 20 for soliciting comments /suggestions of public and stakeholders.

Further, as per CMVR 1989, the detail of ownership captured does not reflect the details of the Divyangjan, which is important as many Government schemes provide incentives to the Divyangjan. With the proposed amendments, such ownership details would be properly reflected and Divyangjan would be able to avail the benefits under various schemes.

(23) Sale and Registration of Electric Vehicles without batteries: The Ministry has issued an advisory to all States and UTs regarding sale and registration of Electric Vehicles without batteries. The Government is striving to create an ecosystem to accelerate the uptake of electric mobility in the country. This will not only protect the environment and reduce the oil Import bill but also provide opportunities to automobile industry to grow.

It has been clarified that vehicles without batteries can be sold and registered based on the type approval certificate issued by the Test Agency. It is further clarified that there is no need to specify the Make / Type or any other details of the Battery for the purpose of Registration.

(24) Facilitating and ensuring supply and movement of Oxygen cylinders during the period of COVID-19 pandemic: In order to facilitate the carriage and movement of Oxygen Cylinders or Oxygen Tanks across the States or within a State and to ensure the smooth supply of oxygen across the country, the Ministry has exempted these from the requirement of Permit under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, through a notification.

(25) Standards for Hydrogen fuel cell Vehicles: For promotion of alternate fuels and green fuel technology, the Ministry has notified the Standards for Safety Evaluation of vehicles being propelled by Hydrogen Fuel cells through an amendment to Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, which would facilitate the promotion of Hydrogen Fuel Cell based vehicles in the country.

(26) H-CNG as an automotive fuel: As a further step toward alternative clean fuel for transportation, the Ministry has notified Hydrogen enriched CNG (H-CNG) for usage in Motor Vehicles through amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989.

(27) Emission Standards Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) for Quadricycle: The Ministry has notified emission Standard Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) for Quadricycle (Category L7).

(28) The Motor Vehicles (Driving) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020: The Ministry has made certain amendments in the Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations 2017 to align the Amendment in the Act and the CMVR 1989, like use of handheld device, inspection of documents in electronic form etc. The Motor Vehicle (Driving) Regulations, 2017, framed under Section 118 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, provides for penalty for contravention under Section 177A, which is non-compoundable.

(29) Road-Worthiness Certificate for Compliance to Emission and Noise Standards: The Ministry has brought amendments in FORM 22 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 to notify Road-Worthiness Certificate for compliance to Emission and Noise Standards.

(30) Protective Helmets for two-wheelers: In order to bring the two-wheeler helmet under the compulsory regime of BIS certification in the country, the Ministry has issued ‘The Helmet for riders of Two Wheelers Motor Vehicles (Quality Control) Order, 2020’. This will enable only BIS certified helmets for two wheelers to be manufactured and sold in India. This will improve the quality of two-wheeler helmets and would improve the road safety scenario. It would also be helpful in reducing fatal injuries involving two wheelers.

(31) FASTag for Vehicle Registration / Fitness under VAHAN: The Ministry, through amendment in CMVR 1989, has mandated that motor vehicles sold on and after the 1st December, 2017 shall be fitted with FASTag by the manufacturer of the vehicle or its authorised dealer, as the case may be. Further, the integration of National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) with VAHAN has gone live since 14^th May 2020 with API, where the VAHAN system is successfully getting the FASTag details from NETC system on the basis of VRN/ VIN.

It has been further mandated that a valid FASTag is mandatory while getting a new 3rd Party Insurance through an amendment in FORM 51 (certificate of Insurance), wherein the details of FASTag ID shall be captured. This shall be applicable w.e.f. 1 April 2021.

This would be a step towards ensuring that the payment of fees at Toll Plazas is through Electronic Means only and vehicles pass seamlessly through the Fee Plazas. There would be no waiting time at the Plazas, and this would save fuel.

Road Safety: Road Safety Cell will take up publicity & awareness campaigns through electronic & print media and also by conducting Seminars & Conferences on road safety for various segments of Road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, School children and Heavy Motor Vehicle drivers etc. The Road Safety Cell will also associate NGOs and other stakeholders in creating awareness among the general public.