The ODISHA STATE HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY ACT, 2025
odisha · 2025
The scanned source for this Act is imperfect — headings or section boundaries may be off. Verify against the official source.
- S. 1(1) This Act may be called the Odisha State Highways Authority Act, 2025
- S. 2Section 2 defines key terms used in the Odisha State Highways Authority Act, 2025, including "Authority," "building," "chairperson," "collector," and "encroachment."
- S. 3(1) Each of the extant Highways included in the Schedule is hereby declared to be a state highway under this Act
- S. 4Section 4 vests state highways and related assets in the State Government and mandates record maintenance and asset monetization for funding.
- S. 5Section 5 allows the State Government to acquire land for highway development, following the 2013 Land Acquisition Act.
- S. 6Section 6 empowers the State Government to develop, operate, and regulate state highways, including land acquisition and safety rules.
- S. 7The State Government can direct the Authority to implement any provisions of the Act or comply with its functions and powers.
- S. 8Section 8 mandates vehicle fees for highway use, sets fee rates, and allows exemptions for certain public services.
- S. 9Section 9 allows the State Government or Authority to enter agreements for highway development, including amenities, with selected bidders, and grants them traffic regulation powers.
- S. 10Section 10 prohibits the use of control zone land within 25 meters of highways for non-agricultural purposes, except for existing lawful structures.
- S. 11Section 11 prohibits construction or alterations within the control zone without permission from the State Government.
- S. 12Section 12 exempts pre-existing sewer, drain, and utility repairs from highway restrictions.
- S. 13Section 13 mandates rebuilding of pre-existing structures within the control zone in compliance with the Odisha State Highways Authority Act, 2025.
- S. 14Section 14 allows the State Government to regulate or divert access to highways for safety, ensuring alternative access.
- S. 15Section 15 restricts the conversion of agricultural land within the control zone for non-agricultural purposes without government approval.
- S. 16Section 16 allows land use change with betterment charges based on market value, per the 2013 Land Acquisition Act.
- S. 17Section 17 mandates removal and punishment for unauthorized constructions violating Chapter III provisions.
- S. 18(1) No person or vehicle shall enter into, or use a highway except as authorised by this Act or the rules made ther
- S. 19Section 19 prohibits unauthorized connections to highways and restricts access without state permission.
- S. 20Section 20 outlines the process for obtaining and renewing permissions and licenses for accessing highways under the Odisha State Highways Authority Act, 2025.
- S. 21Section 21 allows state government-authorized officers to regulate or divert highway access for traffic safety.
- S. 22Section 22 empowers state government-authorized officers to regulate and control highway traffic and close congested or unsafe sections.
- S. 23Section 23 prohibits or restricts vehicles exceeding a weight limit from using highways or structures not designed for them.
- S. 24Section 24 allows the Odisha State Highways Authority to temporarily close or restrict traffic on highways for specific purposes.
- S. 25Section 25 allows the State Government to notify the public of highway closures and alternative routes, considering objections before deciding.
- S. 26Section 26 allows the State Government to restrict or prohibit highway use for public safety or convenience.
- S. 27Section 27 prohibits damage to highways by vehicles or animals and mandates repair and recovery of costs from offenders.
- S. 28Section 28 mandates control of vehicles and animals on highways, fines for obstructions, and penalties for unauthorized highway occupation.
- S. 29Section 29 prohibits construction on highways without prior written permission from the State Government, detailing application and conditions for approval.
- S. 30Section 30 prohibits unauthorized occupation or discharge on highway land and allows temporary structures with prior written permission.
- S. 31Section 31 allows the State Government to lease highway land temporarily for up to five years.
- S. 32Section 32 mandates the State Government to issue notices to remove unauthorized occupations from highway land and outlines penalties for non-compliance.
- S. 33Section 33 outlines the recovery process for costs incurred in removing unauthorized occupations or repairs by authorized officers.
- S. 34Section 34 establishes the Odisha State Highways Authority, its powers, and the composition of its members.
- S. 35Section 35 sets the five-year term limit for members of the Odisha State Highways Authority, restricts appointments after age 62, and allows the State Government to terminate service early.
- S. 36Section 36 bars disqualification for appointment as a member if convicted of moral turpitude, insolvent, mentally unfit, dismissed from state service, or has prejudicial interest.
- S. 37Section allows re-appointment of members of Odisha State Highways Authority if they haven't turned 64.
- S. 38Section 38 outlines the meeting procedures and quorum requirements for the Odisha State Highways Authority.
- S. 39Section 39 ensures that the Odisha State Highways Authority's actions remain valid despite vacancies, constitutional defects, or procedural irregularities.
- S. 40Section 40 allows the Authority to delegate its powers and functions, except those under section 92, to specific individuals or officers.
- S. 41Section 41 mandates that the Odisha State Highways Authority's orders and decisions must be signed by authorized officials.
- S. 42Section 42 allows the Odisha State Highways Authority to hire officers, employees, advisers, and consultants as needed.
- S. 43Section 43 allows the State Government to direct the Authority to transfer highway development and operation to a specified entity.
- S. 44Section 44 allows the State Government to supersede the Odisha State Highways Authority if it persistently defaults or if public interest necessitates it.
- S. 45Section 45 allows the State Government to assign highways or sections to the Odisha State Highways Authority via notification.
- S. 46Section 46 transfers debts, contracts, capital expenditures, and legal proceedings from the State Government to the Odisha State Highways Authority upon notification.
- S. 47Section 47 allows the Authority to acquire land for public purposes under the Act as if it were for the State Government.
- S. 48Section 48 allows the Odisha State Highways Authority to enter into contracts, including long-term concessions, for highway design, construction, financing, and operation.
- S. 49Section 49 outlines the conditions and approvals required for the Odisha State Highways Authority to enter into contracts, especially for property acquisitions or leases.
- S. 50Section 50 outlines the functions of the Odisha State Highways Authority to develop, operate, and manage highways and related services.
- S. 51In the discharge of its functions under this Act, the Authority shall act, so far as may be, on business principles
- S. 52Section 52 allows the Authority to perform works or services for the State Government or local authorities on agreed terms.
- S. 53(1) The Authority shall maintain authoritative plans for the highways entrusted to it under this Act
- S. 54Section 54 mandates the Odisha State Highways Authority to demarcate highway boundaries and conduct regular checks to remove unauthorized encroachments.
- S. 55Section 55 delegates all powers and duties of the State Government regarding highways to the Odisha State Highways Authority.
- S. 56The Odisha State Highways Authority must follow written policy directions from the State Government in its functions.
- S. 57Section 57 authorizes the State Government to provide capital and financial support to the Odisha State Highways Authority on determined terms.
- S. 58Section 58 establishes a fund for the Odisha State Highways Authority, to be used for its expenses, employee salaries, and authorized purposes.
- S. 59Section 59 mandates the Odisha State Highways Authority to prepare and submit its budget for the next financial year to the State Government.
- S. 60Section 60 allows the Odisha State Highways Authority to invest its funds in government securities or bank deposits.
- S. 61Section 61 allows the Odisha State Highways Authority to borrow money with state government consent or approval for highway development.
- S. 62Section mandates the Odisha State Highways Authority to prepare and submit an annual report to the State Government detailing its activities and future plans.
- S. 63Section 63 mandates the Odisha State Highways Authority to maintain and audit its accounts as prescribed by the State Government, with oversight from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
- S. 64Section mandates the State Government to present the Authority's annual report and auditor's report to the State Legislature.
- S. 65Section 65 prohibits unauthorised use of highways and criminalises it with imprisonment or fine.
- S. 66Section 66 penalizes unauthorized highway connections and illegal access to highways with imprisonment, fines, or both.
- S. 67Section penalizes reoccupation of evicted highway land with imprisonment, fine, or both.
- S. 68Section penalizes unauthorized highway use with imprisonment or fine, up to twice the fee for 100 km.
- S. 69Subject to the provisions of Chapter VIII of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Central Act No
- S. 70Section 70 penalizes mischief or damage to highways with up to five years imprisonment and fines up to one lakh rupees.
- S. 71Section penalizes willful damage to highway signs with up to two years imprisonment or a fine up to ₹50,000.
- S. 72Section 72 allows seizure and impounding of vehicles used in offenses against the Odisha State Highways Authority Act, 2025.
- S. 73Section 73 mandates that concessionaire officers seizing vehicles must wear uniforms, record offenses, and report within 12 hours, and must have police or armed force experience.
- S. 74Section penalizes non-compliance with orders or directions from the State Government or Authority under the Act with imprisonment, fines, or both.
- S. 75Section 75 grants police officers powers under the BNSS for investigating offenses under the Odisha State Highways Authority Act.
- S. 76Section 76 holds company officers responsible for offenses committed by the company, with exceptions for due diligence.
- S. 77Section authorizes state officials to search vehicles suspected of offenses under the Act and seize related devices and documents.
- S. 78Section 78 specifies factors courts must consider when determining penalties and fines under the Odisha State Highways Authority Act, 2025.
- S. 79Section 79 allows the State Government to delegate certain powers under the Odisha State Highways Authority Act to the Authority or other entities.
- S. 80Section 80 establishes District Road Safety Councils in Odisha districts to oversee road safety, with specified ex officio and nominated members.
- S. 81Section mandates District Road Safety Councils to report to the State Government, which compiles and presents consolidated annual reports to the State Legislature.
- S. 82Section 82 makes decisions by the State Government or Authority final and immune from court challenge or injunction.
- S. 83Section 83 allows appeals against decisions by state officers or the Authority to the Divisional Commissioner, Authority Member, or High Court within 60 days.
- S. 84Section 84 prohibits appeals and injunctions against actions taken under the Odisha State Highways Authority Act, 2025.
- S. 85Section authorizes an officer to conduct a prescribed summary inquiry for the Act's purposes.
- S. 86Section 86 deems Authority members, officers, and employees as public servants under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- S. 87Section 87 protects the Odisha State Highways Authority and its officials from legal actions for actions taken in good faith under the Act.
- S. 88Section mandates police officers to promptly report highway offenses to the Odisha State Highways Authority and assist in lawful activities.
- S. 89Section mandates village officials to report unauthorized highway offenses to authorities and assist in prosecution.
- S. 90Section 90 allows authorized persons to enter private land for highway purposes, with notice to occupiers for certain entries.
- S. 91(1) The State Government may, by notification make rules for carrying out the provisions of this Act
- S. 92Section 92 empowers the Odisha State Highways Authority to create regulations for various aspects of highway management and employee terms.
- S. 93Section 93 overrides any conflicting laws or instruments for the Odisha State Highways Authority Act's provisions.
- S. 94The section allows the State Government to issue orders to resolve Act implementation issues, subject to a two-year limit.
- S. 95Section 95 mandates rules and regulations under the Odisha State Highways Authority Act to be presented to the State Legislature for at least fourteen days.
- S. 96(1) The Odisha Express Highway Act, 1964 is hereby repealed
- S. 2013Section defines key terms like "occupier," "operation," and "owner" for the Odisha State Highways Authority Act, 2025.