New Delhi: Aimed at preventing unauthorised occupation of highway land, a Bill to regulate traffic as well as the right of way on the National Highways was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 16.

The Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Bill, 2002, moved by Road Transport and Highways Minister B C Khanduri, was passed by a voice vote after several members expressed concern over unauthorised constructions along national highways.

The Bill seeks to control access points to National Highways and regulate traffic on them, besides establishment of Highway Administrations to enforce the law and setting up of tribunals to hear appeals against their orders.

National Highways are rapidly getting congested and choked by undesirable roadside developments and encroachments making it very difficult, costly and often impossible to widen the existing roads to accommodate growing traffic, according to the statement of objects and reasons appended to the Bill.

The Bill also seeks to control use of road land for public utilities and drains. Earlier participating in a discussion, members wanted steps for highways passing through their respective areas, besides co-ordination with local authorities, proper utilisation of funds for road maintenance and plantation, setting up of STD booths and medicare centres along highways.

PTI