Navigating the ROW Permission Process: A Comprehensive Guide to Right of Way Approval in India

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Right of Way (ROW) permission is a *mandatory legal authorization* in India for infrastructure projects using public or private land, like roads, railways, or utility lines.
• The **National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)** is the primary authority for projects involving National Highways, operating under strict **NHAI ROW guidelines** that cover technical, safety, and financial aspects.
• The **ROW application procedure** is increasingly digital, utilizing portals like **BhoomiRashi** for land acquisition and **PARIVESH** for environmental clearances.
• *Completeness and accuracy* of **essential utility permit requirements**, including detailed engineering drawings, legal documents, and safety plans, are *critical* to avoid delays.
• The **crossing approval timeline** varies significantly (30-90 days to several months) based on project complexity, application quality, and inter-departmental consultations.
• Employing **best practices** such as early engagement with authorities, thorough documentation, and utilizing **experienced consultants** can *substantially smooth* the process and prevent **application rejection** or delays.

Building big things like roads, railways, or even laying important cables underground needs careful planning. One of the most critical steps in India for such projects is getting Right of Way (ROW) permission. This approval is like getting a green light to use a specific piece of land for your project. Without it, you can run into big trouble. This guide will help you understand the entire ROW permission process, ensuring your infrastructure dreams become a reality without legal headaches.

1. Introduction to the ROW Permission Process

Imagine you need to build a new road or lay down pipes that carry water to many homes. You can’t just dig anywhere you want! You need special permission to use the land. This special permission is called Right of Way (ROW). Simply put, ROW is a legal right or a strip of land that is set aside for building, operating, and keeping up important things like roads, railway tracks, pipelines for gas or water, electricity lines, and communication cables. It’s like a dedicated corridor for essential services.

The importance of ROW permission process for big building and development projects cannot be overstated. It makes sure that you have the necessary land corridors to do your work. It also stops other people from building or using that land without permission, which could block your project. Getting this legal access is key for getting the project done and keeping it running smoothly in the future.

Getting right of way approval is a must-do step. It’s a mandatory requirement, especially when your project involves land that belongs to public infrastructure, like the wide National Highways that connect cities across India. This legal authorization ensures that everything you build is done correctly and safely.

If you don’t follow these rules, there can be big problems. Not getting proper approval can lead to serious legal challenges, where people might sue you or stop your work. It can cause long delays in your project, making everything take much longer than planned. These delays often mean the project costs a lot more money than expected. Most importantly, not following the rules can create safety hazards, putting workers and the public at risk. That’s why understanding and diligently following the ROW permission process is so important.

2. What is Right of Way (ROW) Permission and Why is it Needed?

Let’s dive a bit deeper into what ROW permission process truly means. At its heart, ROW permission is about getting formal approval from the rightful owner of a piece of land to use a specific part of it for a certain job. This land owner could be a government body like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), a State Public Works Department (PWD), or even a local city council (municipality). This formal authorization gives you the right to occupy, construct on, and maintain your infrastructure within that designated corridor. It’s a critical step that ensures proper land management and prevents unauthorized encroachment.

A very common situation where this permission is needed is for utility crossing permission. Think about all the essential services that connect our homes and businesses: water pipes, gas lines, sewerage systems, super-fast optical fiber cables for the internet, and overhead electricity lines that bring power. These utility services often need to cross over or run alongside important public lands, such as National Highways or major roads. Obtaining utility crossing permission means getting the go-ahead to place these vital connections, ensuring they reach communities and keep our modern lives running.

There are several very important reasons why these approvals are required:

• Legal Compliance: This is about following the law. When you get ROW permission, you are sticking to the rules about who owns the land and how it can be used. It stops anyone from using public land without permission. This protects the rights of the land-owning agency (like NHAI) and ensures that public property is used responsibly and lawfully. It also prevents future disputes over land ownership or usage.
• Safety: Safety is paramount. The permission process makes sure that any new construction, especially when crossing existing roads or railways, follows strict technical and safety standards. These standards are put in place to prevent damage to important existing structures, like the main highway itself. They also aim to keep workers safe during construction and protect the public who use these roads every day. Without these rules, there could be serious accidents or damage to vital infrastructure. For instance, digging too shallow could damage a road’s foundation, leading to sinkholes or traffic hazards.
• Operational Continuity: Getting permission helps make sure that the building of new utilities doesn’t stop or harm the services that are already running. For example, when laying a pipe under a highway, permission ensures that traffic keeps flowing smoothly and isn’t disrupted more than absolutely necessary. It also guarantees that once the new utility is in place, it won’t interfere with the long-term running or maintenance of the existing infrastructure, such as making sure the highway can still be repaired or expanded without problems. This protects ongoing services and reduces inconveniences to the public.
• Future Planning: Land-owning agencies, especially those managing vast networks like National Highways, always have plans for the future. They might want to expand the highway, add new lanes, or build flyovers years down the line. The ROW permission process takes these future plans into account. It ensures that any new utility installations don’t get in the way of these important future developments or make it harder to maintain the primary infrastructure later on. This forward-thinking approach saves a lot of trouble and expense in the long run.

In essence, the entire ROW permission process, especially when it involves utility crossing permission, is a framework designed to ensure that infrastructure development is legal, safe, efficient, and aligned with long-term public interest.

3. Key Authorities and Regulatory Frameworks Governing ROW

When we talk about big infrastructure projects that affect India’s main roads, the primary government body you’ll deal with is the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The NHAI works under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and acts as the main agency for building, managing, and maintaining National Highways across the country. If your project involves any land that is part of a National Highway, NHAI is your go-to authority.

To guide all these projects, the NHAI has a clear set of rules called the NHAI ROW guidelines. These guidelines are like a detailed instruction manual that explains exactly how infrastructure projects can use or cross National Highway land. They are the cornerstone for ensuring all activities are carried out safely, legally, and without disrupting the highway network.

It’s important to know that these NHAI ROW guidelines are not set in stone forever. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and NHAI regularly update these policies to keep up with new technologies, best practices, and changing needs. For instance, specific policy circulars from 2015, 2018, and many subsequent amendments have introduced changes to how these permissions are managed [See Latest Policy Updates Here]. This means project teams must always refer to the latest versions of these guidelines.

The NHAI ROW guidelines are very important and cover many parts of laying utility services. These services include:

• Gas pipelines
• Water pipelines
• Sewerage lines
• Telecom cables (like optical fiber cables)
• Electricity lines

The guidelines cover projects whether they run along the National Highway or cross it. They lay down very specific rules that must be followed:

• Minimum Depths for Underground Utilities: Utilities buried underground must be placed at a certain depth to prevent them from being damaged by heavy traffic or future road work. This also ensures the structural integrity of the highway above.
• Specific Setback Distances from the Carriageway: This means utilities cannot be placed too close to the main road lanes (the carriageway). There are specific distances, called setback distances, to maintain safety and allow for future road expansion.
• Preferred Use of Trenchless Technology: For crossing highways, NHAI often prefers “trenchless technology.” This includes methods like Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), where a tunnel is bored underground without digging an open trench across the road. This minimizes disruption to traffic and the highway’s surface.
• Stringent Safety Protocols: There are strict rules for keeping workers and road users safe during construction. This includes clear signage, traffic diversions, and proper safety equipment.
• Financial Obligations: The guidelines also outline the money-related requirements. This includes paying permission fees for using the land, restoration charges to cover the cost of repairing the highway surface after work is done, and security deposits (often in the form of Bank Guarantees) to ensure the work is completed correctly and any potential damages are covered.

While NHAI is the main player for National Highways, other authorities might also be involved depending on where your project is and what it entails:

• State Public Works Departments (PWDs): These departments manage State Highways and other important district roads within a specific state. If your project crosses or runs along these roads, you’ll need their permission.
• Local Municipal Corporations/Panchayats: For roads within cities (urban areas) or villages (rural areas), you’ll need approval from the local municipal corporation or the village panchayat.
• Indian Railways: If your utility needs to cross railway lines, you’ll need special permission from the Indian Railways. Their safety standards and operational requirements are very strict.
• Irrigation Departments: For projects that cross over or under canals, rivers, or other water bodies managed by the government, the Irrigation Department will need to give their clearance.

Understanding these different authorities and their specific NHAI ROW guidelines or equivalent state/local regulations is crucial for planning your project and knowing exactly where to get your approvals.

4. The ROW Application Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide

The ROW application procedure for National Highways in India has become much more modern, moving towards digital systems. This means many of the steps are now done online, making the process more transparent and, ideally, quicker.

To make this process easier, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and NHAI have set up dedicated online portals. For submitting ROW applications and managing land acquisition, there’s the **“BhoomiRashi” portal**. For environmental clearances, which are often needed for larger projects, the **“PARIVESH” portal** is used. These digital platforms are essential tools for applicants.

Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to the comprehensive ROW application procedure:

• Step 1: Initial Project Planning & Feasibility
  Before anything else, you need to clearly understand why you need the ROW. This involves figuring out the initial path or alignment for your utility (like a pipeline or cable). You’ll also do a first look at how the project might affect the land and existing structures. This early stage helps you identify potential challenges and plan your approach.
• Step 2: Detailed Survey & Design
  Once you have a rough idea, you move to detailed planning. This means carrying out thorough surveys of the land. Topographical surveys map out the land’s features, while geotechnical surveys examine the soil and ground conditions. Based on these surveys, detailed engineering drawings are prepared. These drawings must show the exact path of your utility, how it will look from the side (cross-sections), and specific details for how it will cross roads or other features. It’s crucial that these designs strictly follow NHAI’s technical specifications and safety standards. This might involve specifying the type of pipes, the depth of burial, and the construction methods.
• Step 3: Documentation Preparation
  This is a critical stage. You need to gather and prepare all the required official documents and supporting papers. This often includes various legal clearances and technical reports, which we’ll cover in the next section. Think of this as putting together a complete and perfect puzzle. Getting all the documents right and complete at this stage is very important for making sure your application doesn’t get delayed later on. Any missing or incorrect document can cause the whole process to stall.
• Step 4: Formal Application Submission
  With all your meticulous documents, drawings, and statutory clearances ready, you formally submit your application. For National Highway projects, this is typically done through the designated online portal, like BhoomiRashi. Make sure everything is uploaded correctly and completely. This digital submission process helps in tracking your application’s progress.
• Step 5: Technical Scrutiny & Review
  Once submitted, NHAI officials, such as Regional Officers or Project Directors, will carefully review your application. They check it to make sure it meets all technical requirements, safety standards, and established guidelines. This often includes site visits, where officials physically go to the proposed project location to verify the details in your application and drawings. They want to ensure that what you’ve planned on paper can actually be built safely and effectively on the ground.
• Step 6: Inter-Departmental Consultation
  Some projects are complex and might need approvals from more than just NHAI. For instance, if your project affects forest land, you’ll need clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). If it involves railway crossings, you’ll need to talk to Indian Railways. During this step, NHAI will often consult with these other agencies to get their necessary clearances or No-Objection Certificates (NOCs).
• Step 7: Financial Assessment
  At this stage, the authorities calculate the money you need to pay. This includes the applicable permission fees for using the land, restoration charges to fix any damage caused by your work and return the land to its original condition, and a required security deposit (often a Bank Guarantee). This deposit acts as an assurance that you will complete the work as agreed and repair any damages.
• Step 8: Approval & Grant of Permission
  Once all requirements have been met, all necessary fees paid, and security guarantees submitted, the competent authority will issue the formal ROW permission. This approval often comes with specific conditions that you must follow during the construction and operation of your utility. These conditions are usually aimed at ensuring safety, minimizing disruption, and protecting the highway.
• Step 9: Execution & Monitoring
  With the permission in hand, you can start the construction work. However, the work must be carried out under strict supervision. You must adhere to the approved methodology, complete the work within the agreed timelines, and follow all safety protocols outlined in your application and the permission letter. NHAI often monitors the work to ensure compliance.

To wrap up, preparing meticulously at every stage, especially when it comes to documentation and detailed technical design, is absolutely vital. This careful preparation is the best way to avoid having your application rejected or facing long processing delays, which can be very costly for your project.

5. Essential Utility Permit Requirements

For a successful application, especially under the NHAI ROW guidelines, you need to provide a lot of detailed documents. Think of it as a **comprehensive checklist** that ensures every aspect of your project is transparent and compliant. Here’s a detailed list of common utility permit requirements and the documentation you’ll need:

• Application Form: This is the basic form where you provide all your project details. It needs to be filled out completely and signed by the authorized person.
• Detailed Engineering Drawings: These are highly technical maps and diagrams that show exactly what you plan to do.
  • Scale maps: These are large maps showing the overall path or alignment of your utility (e.g., pipeline, cable) in relation to the National Highway.
  • Longitudinal and cross-sections: These drawings show how your utility will look from the side (longitudinal) and how it will cut across the highway (cross-sections). They must clearly indicate existing highway features (like road surface, shoulders), the proposed depth of your utility underground, the type of casing or pipe you’ll use, and the exact points where your utility will enter and exit the highway land.
  • Safety and restoration drawings: Plans showing all safety measures you will take during construction, how traffic will be managed around the work site, and details on how you will restore the land to its original condition after the work is done.
• Technical Specifications: This document provides detailed information about the materials you will use (e.g., type of pipes, cables) and the construction methods you will employ. For example, if you are using trenchless technology like Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), the specifications would detail the drilling process, equipment, and safety procedures. It also includes details about how you will restore the area.
• Legal Documents: You need to prove who you are and that you have the right to undertake the project.
  • Proof of the applicant’s legal identity (e.g., company registration documents).
  • Proof that the person submitting the application is authorized to do so on behalf of the company.
  • An affidavit or undertaking, which is a sworn legal statement, that indemnifies (protects) NHAI against any damages or legal issues that might arise from your project.
• Environmental Clearances: If your project is large or might have a significant impact on the environment, you might need special clearance. If the project falls under specific Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is required. This ensures your project is environmentally sound [Check MoEF&CC Guidelines].
• Forest Clearance: If any part of your chosen path crosses through land designated as a forest, even if it’s a small section, you will need clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act. This is a very important step to protect India’s forests.
• Safety Plan: A comprehensive document that details all the safety measures you will implement during the construction phase. This includes plans for traffic diversion, proper signage to warn drivers, and detailed procedures for what to do in case of an emergency. This plan is crucial for protecting both workers and the public.
• Traffic Management Plan: A specific strategy outlining how you will manage and minimize disruptions to traffic flow on the highway while your construction work is ongoing. This might include alternative routes, temporary lane closures, and flaggers to guide vehicles.
• Bank Guarantee/Security Deposit: This is a financial safety net. It’s a guarantee from a bank or a sum of money deposited to cover any potential damage your project might cause to the highway or existing infrastructure. It also ensures that you complete the restoration work to a satisfactory standard.
• Permission Fees & Restoration Charges: These are the monetary payments calculated by NHAI. The fees depend on the type of utility, how long it runs along or crosses the highway, and its specific location. Restoration charges cover the cost of repairing the land or highway after your work is completed.
• No-Objection Certificates (NOCs): Sometimes, your project might interact with other local authorities or existing utility providers. If there are potential conflicts (e.g., crossing another company’s cable) or overlaps, you might need a “No-Objection Certificate” from them, stating they have no issues with your project.
• Feasibility Report: A document that explains why your utility project is needed and justifies the specific path you have chosen. It demonstrates that your project is viable and well-thought-out.

It’s vital to remember that all these documents must be complete, absolutely accurate, technically compliant with all standards, and professionally prepared. Submitting a perfect package the first time will significantly help in achieving a smooth and quicker review process, avoiding frustrating delays and requests for more information. Meeting all these utility permit requirements under NHAI ROW guidelines is key to project success.

6. Understanding the Crossing Approval Timeline

One of the most common questions project developers ask is: “How long will it take to get my crossing approval timeline?” The answer is that it can vary a lot. For a relatively straightforward project, it might take anywhere from 30 to 90 days. However, for more complex projects, or those that need approvals from many different government agencies, the process can extend to several months, or even longer. While NHAI policies often aim for internal targets to process applications quickly, the actual time it takes can be influenced by many real-world factors.

Let’s look at the key factors that can significantly influence your crossing approval timeline:

• Project Complexity: Simple projects, like laying a short underground cable across a less busy part of the highway using trenchless technology, will generally be processed faster. In contrast, extensive overhead electricity lines, projects involving multiple types of utilities, or those covering long distances will naturally take more time because they involve more complex designs and potential impacts.
• Completeness and Accuracy of the Application: This is by far the most critical factor. If your application is incomplete, if there are technical mistakes in your drawings, or if any required documents are missing or incorrect, it will inevitably lead to queries from NHAI. You’ll then have to resubmit parts of your application, which causes substantial delays. A “first-time right” submission is essential.
• Departmental Workload and Backlogs: Government departments, including NHAI, often receive a large number of applications. The volume of these applications and the availability of officers to review them can create work backlogs. If the department is swamped, your application might take longer to be reviewed.
• Inter-Departmental Consultations: If your project needs clearances from other external agencies—such as the Forest Department, Environment Ministry (MoEF&CC), or Indian Railways—their individual review processes will add significant time to your overall crossing approval timeline. Each agency has its own procedures and timelines, which are outside of NHAI’s direct control.
• Site Visit Requirements: For many applications, NHAI officials will need to conduct physical site visits to verify the details provided in your application and assess the ground realities. Scheduling these visits can sometimes introduce delays, especially if the site is in a remote location or if officials have a busy schedule.
• Stakeholder Consultations: If your project impacts local communities, existing landowners along the corridor, or other utility providers, there might be a need for consultations. Any disputes or conflicts that arise during these discussions can add considerable time to the approval process as they need to be resolved.
• Policy Changes or Clarifications: Sometimes, new government directives or updates to existing policies can be introduced. While these are often aimed at improving processes, they can sometimes temporarily slow down application processing as officials adapt to the new rules or seek clarifications.
• Financial Compliance: Delays in paying the necessary permission fees or in submitting the required Bank Guarantees or security deposits can halt your application process entirely. The approval will not be issued until all financial obligations are met.

To help minimize these delays, project teams should employ several strategies: thorough preparation of all documents upfront, proactive and regular follow-up with the approving authority, and seriously considering engaging experienced consultants who know the system well. These steps can significantly shorten your crossing approval timeline.

7. Challenges and Best Practices for a Smooth ROW Process

Even with clear guidelines, navigating the ROW permission process can come with its share of difficulties. Being aware of these common hurdles can help you prepare better.

Here are some common challenges often encountered in the ROW permission process:

• Incomplete or Technically Non-Compliant Applications: This is the most frequent problem. Applications that are missing documents, have errors, or don’t meet NHAI’s technical standards will be sent back for corrections. This leads to a cycle of reviews and resubmissions, causing significant delays.
• Conflicting or Ambiguous Guidelines: Sometimes, the rules might seem to overlap or contradict each other, especially when different government departments are involved. This can lead to confusion and interpretation issues, slowing down the approval.
• Stakeholder Disputes: Resistance from local communities, disagreements with existing landowners, or conflicting claims from other utility providers (e.g., another company already has a cable where you want to dig) can create major roadblocks and legal challenges.
• Delays in Statutory Clearances: Getting specific clearances from other ministries, like environmental or forest clearances, can often take a long time due to their own review processes and backlogs. These external delays directly impact your overall right of way approval timeline.
• Land Acquisition Issues: While less common for laying utilities *within* an existing NHAI ROW, major infrastructure projects that require buying new land face substantial challenges related to **land acquisition**, compensation, and resettlement, which can lead to protests and legal battles.
• Financial Discrepancies: Sometimes, there can be disagreements over how permission fees, restoration charges, or the amount of the required bank guarantee are calculated. Resolving these financial disagreements can delay the issuance of permission.

To help you achieve a smoother right of way approval and expedite your project, here are several best practices:

• Early Engagement with Authorities: Don’t wait until your designs are final. Start talking to NHAI officials and other relevant authorities (like State PWD or local bodies) during the very first stages of your project planning. Early discussions can help you understand their specific requirements and potential challenges.
• Thorough Documentation and Technical Adherence: Aim for a “first-time right” application. This means making sure your application package is absolutely complete, every document is accurate, and all engineering designs strictly follow NHAI’s technical specifications and safety norms. Double-check everything before submission.
• Utilize Experienced Consultants: The Indian regulatory landscape can be complex. Engage legal, engineering, and environmental consultants who have a lot of experience with Indian infrastructure regulations and NHAI procedures. Their expertise can help you avoid common pitfalls and navigate the process more efficiently.
• Proactive Communication and Follow-up: Don’t just submit your application and wait. Maintain regular, structured communication with the approving authority. Track the status of your application online and through direct contact. Respond promptly and comprehensively to any queries or requests for additional information they may have.
• Leverage Digital Platforms: Make full use of online portals like BhoomiRashi. These platforms often provide transparency into the application status and can streamline the submission process, making it easier to track progress and communicate.
• Robust Project Management: Implement strong internal project management within your own team. This ensures that all necessary documentation is coordinated, financial provisions are secured on time, and project timelines are carefully managed to keep everything on track.
• Comprehensive Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA): Conduct an early and thorough assessment of potential environmental and social impacts. This helps you identify, assess, and address any issues proactively, rather than facing unexpected problems later in the ROW permission process that could cause significant delays or public resistance.

By understanding these challenges and applying these best practices, project proponents can significantly improve their chances of a smooth and timely right of way approval process. This careful preparation is the best way to avoid having your **application rejected** or facing long processing delays, which can be very costly for your project.

8. Conclusion

Successfully navigating the ROW permission process is not just another step; it’s a fundamental requirement for the legal, safe, and timely completion of any infrastructure or development project in India. This is especially true for projects that involve India’s extensive National Highways. A well-managed and diligently executed process ensures that your project has the legitimate right to use the required land corridor, setting the foundation for long-term success.

Securing proper right of way approval brings immense long-term benefits. It helps prevent future legal disputes that could otherwise halt your project or cost a fortune. It avoids operational disruptions, ensuring that your newly built utility (whether it’s a pipeline or a fiber optic cable) can run smoothly without interfering with existing public assets. It also mitigates unforeseen cost overruns that often result from delays and unexpected challenges. Most importantly, it ensures the safety and longevity of both your new utility infrastructure and the vital public assets that form India’s backbone.

Therefore, we strongly encourage all project proponents to approach this process with the utmost due diligence. This means paying very close attention to every detail, strictly adhering to all applicable guidelines (especially the comprehensive **NHAI ROW guidelines**), and maintaining open and proactive communication with the relevant authorities. By doing so, you can achieve timely **utility crossing permission**, avoid common pitfalls, and ultimately ensure the successful completion of your infrastructure project, contributing to India’s ongoing development.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Right of Way (ROW) permission?ROW permission is a legal right or formal authorization to use a specific strip of land for building, operating, and maintaining infrastructure like roads, railways, pipelines, electricity lines, or communication cables. It ensures that projects have the necessary land corridors and prevents unauthorized use of public land.
• Which authorities are involved in ROW approval in India?For National Highways, the primary authority is the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Depending on the project’s location and scope, other authorities may include State Public Works Departments (PWDs) for state roads, local Municipal Corporations/Panchayats for urban/rural roads, Indian Railways for railway crossings, and Irrigation Departments for water body crossings. Environmental and Forest clearances might also require approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• How long does it typically take to get ROW approval?The approval timeline can vary greatly. Simple projects might be processed within 30 to 90 days. However, complex projects or those requiring multiple inter-departmental clearances can extend to several months or even longer. Key factors influencing this include the completeness of the application, project complexity, and the workload of the approving agencies.
• What are common reasons for ROW application delays or rejection?Frequent causes include incomplete applications, technical errors in drawings, missing legal or environmental documents, conflicting guidelines, stakeholder disputes, delays from other government ministries (e.g., forest clearance), and discrepancies in financial payments or security deposits. Not following NHAI’s technical standards is a major reason for rejections or repeated reviews.
• What do the NHAI ROW guidelines cover?The NHAI ROW guidelines provide a detailed framework for using National Highway land for infrastructure projects. They cover essential aspects such as minimum depths for underground utilities, specific setback distances from the carriageway, preference for trenchless technology for crossings, stringent safety protocols during construction, and financial obligations including permission fees, restoration charges, and security deposits (Bank Guarantees).

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