Standard Operating Procedure for One-Time Improvement of Bypassed Highway Sections

Published: October 12, 2025, 10:44 AM IST

Introduction

On September 8, 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, released a comprehensive circular (F. No. NH-14013/9/2020-P&M) outlining the "Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for One Time Improvement (OTI) of the Bypassed section and handing it over to State Government." This document, signed by Shobha Basil, Under Secretary, aims to streamline the process of upgrading and transferring bypassed sections of National Highways (NHs) to State Governments or Union Territories (UTs), ensuring efficient infrastructure management.

Historical Context and Policy Evolution

The policy traces its roots to circulars issued on November 30, 1977, and April 21, 1982 (NH/III/P/9/77), which mandated that bypassed sections of NHs would no longer vest with the Government of India after realignment, with maintenance responsibilities shifting to State Governments. However, delays in handing over these sections prompted the Ministry to adopt a one-time improvement policy in 2015 (O.M. No. RW/NH-33044/117/2015/S&R(T) dated 23.04.2015). The 2025 SOP builds on this foundation to address ongoing challenges.

Key Objectives and Applicability

The SOP’s primary goal is to ensure bypassed highway sections are upgraded once before being handed over, preventing their deterioration. It applies to:

• New highway projects involving bypasses or ring roads.
• Ongoing or sanctioned projects with bypassed stretches.
• Existing bypassed sections requiring improvement.

The procedure covers a wide range of improvements, including road upgrades, drainage, safety features, and signage, tailored to local needs.

Detailed Implementation Process

A. For New Projects

For new projects, the decision to construct a bypass triggers the inclusion of OTI provisions during the appraisal stage. Key aspects include:

• Construction of Railway Over Bridges (ROBs) to eliminate level crossings, if applicable.
• Upgrading roads with or without land acquisition, based on Right of Way (RoW) availability.
• White topping or resurfacing where site conditions necessitate.
• Proper drainage, street lighting, widening, and reconstruction of cross-drainage (CD) works, considering local needs and safety.
• Replacing existing signboards and kilometer stones, especially for sections transitioning to State Highways (SHs) or Major District Roads (MDRs).

The OTI work is executed as per the contract’s Physical Completion of Development (PCOD) schedule, with maintenance during the defect liability period (DLP) monitored by State PWD/RCD officials.

B. For Ongoing/Sanctioned Projects

For projects already in progress, OTI can be initiated well before completion. The process includes:

• Proposals for OTI work on bypassed stretches, initiated and completed prior to the main project’s completion.
• Signing of contracts or agreements for OTI work, with provisions for ROBs and other improvements as needed.
• DLP ranging from 5 years (for ROBs) to other durations, ensuring maintenance post-handover.

The State PWD/RCD monitors the work, and handover occurs after satisfactory completion, as certified by regional officers.

C. Handover and Monitoring

Agencies must hand over bypassed sections to State Governments immediately after OTI completion, with transfer dates documented. In case of delays, NHAI or NHIDCL heads notify the respective State Principal Secretary, ensuring timely action. Tripartite agreements may be signed to resolve disputes.

Notification and De-notification

Agencies must notify the Ministry at least three months before a project reaches 90% PCOD/COD, providing details of bypassed sections. The Ministry updates NH descriptions accordingly, ensuring de-notification of bypassed stretches that no longer vest with the Government of India.

Conclusion

This SOP, effective as of September 8, 2025, represents a significant step toward efficient highway management. By mandating one-time improvements and clear handover protocols, it ensures bypassed sections remain functional under State control, optimizing national infrastructure resources.

Key Takeaway: The SOP ensures bypassed highway sections are upgraded once and transferred to State Governments, preventing neglect and enhancing road safety and connectivity across India.