Vidhi Codex

THE CONTROL OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS (LAND AND TRAFFIC) ACT, 2002

The Control of National Highways Act, 2002

Infrastructure200251 sections8 chapters

The Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, regulates the use, unauthorized occupation, and access of national highways in India. It applies to anyone occupying highway land, vehicle drivers, pedestrians, and companies installing utilities like cables or pipes. The law matters because it empowers Highway Administrations to quickly remove encroachments, regulate local traffic, and control access to ensure public safety. It also creates a dedicated tribunal to efficiently resolve related disputes outside traditional civil courts. Ultimately, this legislation keeps India's essential transit routes safe, clear, and functioning properly for all citizens who are traveling across this vast nation.

Start reading →Read full ActSections

Chapter I PRELIMINARY →

  1. 1Short title, extent and commencement.
  2. 2Definitions.

Chapter II ESTABLISHMENT OF HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATIONS AND TRIBUNALS, ETC. →

  1. 3Establishment of Highway Administrations.
  2. 4Powers and functions of Highway Administration.
  3. 5Establishment of Tribunals.
  4. 6Composition of Tribunal.
  5. 7Qualifications for appointment as Presiding Officer.
  6. 8Term of office.
  7. 9Staff of Tribunal.
  8. 10Salary and allowances and other terms and conditions of service of Presiding Officer.
  9. 11Vacancies in Tribunal.
  10. 12Resignation and removal.
  11. 13Financial and administrative powers of Presiding Officer.
  12. 14Jurisdiction, powers and authority of Tribunal.
  13. 15Bar of jurisdiction.
  14. 16Procedure and powers of Tribunal.
  15. 17Conditions as to making of interim order.
  16. 18Execution of orders of Tribunal.
  17. 19Limitation.
  18. 20Appointment of officers to act on behalf of Highway Administration.
  19. 21Delegation of powers.
  20. 22Power to transfer jurisdiction.

Chapter III PREVENTION OF UNAUTHORISED OCCUPATION OF HIGHWAY LAND AND THEIR REMOVAL →

  1. 23Highway land to be deemed as property of Central Government.
  2. 24Prevention of occupation of highway land.
  3. 25Grant of lease or licence of highway land for temporary use.
  4. 26Removal of unauthorised occupation.
  5. 27Recovery of cost of removal of unauthorised occupation and fine imposed.

Chapter IV CONTROL OF ACCESS TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAYS →

  1. 28Right of access.
  2. 29Procedure for permission to access to Highway.
  3. 30Regulation or diversion of access, etc.

Chapter V REGULATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRAFFIC ON NATIONAL HIGHWAYS →

  1. 31Highway Administration to regulate traffic when Highway deemed unsafe.
  2. 32Prohibition of use of heavy vehicles on certain Highways.
  3. 33Temporary closure of traffic on Highway.
  4. 34Permanent closure of Highway.
  5. 35Power to restrict the use of vehicles.
  6. 36Prevention and repair of damage to Highway.
  7. 37Prohibition to leave vehicles or animals in dangerous position.

Chapter VI REGULATION OF CONSTRUCTION ON HIGHWAY LAND FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES, DRAINS, ETC. →

  1. 38Construction on highway land.

Chapter VII OFFENCE AND PENALTY →

  1. 39Offence and penalty.

Chapter VIII MISCELLANEOUS →

  1. 40Right of appellant to take assistance of legal practitioner.
  2. 41Finality of orders.
  3. 42Duty of village officials.
  4. 43Conduct of inquiry.
  5. 44Presiding Officers and employees of Tribunals, etc., to be public servants.
  6. 45Protection of action taken in good faith.
  7. 46Offences by companies.
  8. 47Procedure for service of notices, etc.
  9. 48Act to have overriding effect.
  10. 49Power to remove difficulties.
  11. 50Power to make rules.

PDF: pending for this language.