Traffic hit on NH-7 as builders fail to take access permission

Rule for 40-60 metres gap from highway median largely flouted

A rule introduced by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) in 2013, making it mandatory for builders to take access permission does not seem to be working.

This has clearly resulted in poor traffic management on the 26-km long National Highway-7 from Hebbal to Kempegowda International Airport.

According to Ministry of Road Transport Amendment Circular issued on November 6, 2013, access permission to fuel stations, rest area complexes and such other facilities along National Highways is mandatory. “This rule was introduced to ensure that traffic movement and growth along highways are regulated. Builders should also maintain a gap of 40-60 metres from the centre of the highway, depending upon rural and urban areas. This is also mandated under Indian Road Congress Code. But these rules are not being followed. Builders and fuel station owners do not take access permission from us before approaching civic agencies for No Objection Certificates. This makes most structures illegal,” a NHAI official told Deccan Herald.

He pointed that due to unplanned growth, passenger car per unit (PCU) had increased manifold along National Highway-7. The PCU was 11,000 six years ago and went up to 37,941 in 2014. The PCU is 40,640 in 2015. “We slammed 11 notices on builders five months ago. After this, five small-time builders applied for clearance. In last last two years, we have received only 12 applications, of which seven were cleared and four are underway. But over 50 projects are in progress and many are upcoming,” said a NHAI official.

According to Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (CREDAI) Secretary S Suresh Hari, in the last five years, over 100 mid-segment apartment complexes have come up along National Highway-7, comprising over 5,000 units. Around 15 projects were in last stages of completion and occupancy will start next year.
Construction was yet to begin on large apartment complexes having over 1,000 units in each project.

There are over 10 commercial complexes on the 26-km stretch, belonging to the mid-segment category and each building had at least 10 storeys. This is apart from the hotels and boutiques, added Bangalore Realtors Association-India president Irshad Ahmed.

“Normally all permissions are obtained before the commencement of projects. However, there are instances where builders are unaware of amendments in rules. It is also often said that rules are amended after projects commence,” said Suresh.