A new policy being finalized by the Union Road Transport Ministry will prohibit all construction activity within 15 meters (approx. 50 feet) on either side of new greenfield expressways, access-controlled highways, ring roads, and bypasses built by the central government across India.
Refined Policy Summary: Regulating Development Along National Highways & Ring Roads
To combat urban congestion and prevent disruptive ribbon development (linear construction along roads with direct highway access), the Union Road Transport Ministry is finalizing a major policy for future access-controlled ring roads and bypasses. This policy introduces strict zoning rules to ensure these critical corridors remain decongested and functional:
1. Core Protection: "No Construction Green Zone" (15m)
- A 15-meter strip on both sides of new greenfield highways, bypasses, and ring roads will be designated a "No Construction Green Zone".
- State governments must legally notify this zone under their planning laws.
- All development is strictly prohibited, except for essential infrastructure:
- Public transport/mobility facilities (e.g., bus bays, metro pillars).
- Public utilities (electricity, water, sewerage pipelines).
- Green zone infrastructure (parks, ecological features).
2. Regulated Economic Corridor (2km Radius)
- Beyond the 15m Green Zone, within a 2-kilometer radius on either side of the corridor, state governments are empowered to plan, develop, and regulate:
- Residential complexes
- Commercial hubs
- Industrial parks
- Institutional campuses
- This creates planned economic clusters centered on the highway/bypass, driving growth in a controlled manner while preventing chaotic sprawl.
Policy Thrust & Rationale
- Primary Goal: Prevent future congestion on vital bypasses and ring roads by eliminating unregulated ribbon development that chokes traffic flow.
- Mechanism: Separates essential corridor protection (Green Zone) from planned economic development (2km Zone).
- Context: This framework was highlighted by the Ministry in response to queries about ribbon development at a recent PPPAC (Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee) meeting.
News Courtesy: TOI