Section 19 — Agreements for development and operation of highways

(l) Notwith- standing anything contained in this Act, the State Government or the Authority, as the case may be, may enter into an agreement with any person in relation to the development and operation of the whole or any part of a highway, and such agreement may, where deemed necessary, include the terms and conditions for development of wayside amenities, habitations, townships or industrial corridors in the vicinity of such highway: Provided that no such agreement shall be entered into except with a person who has been selected through a process of open competitive bidding on such terms as may be approved by the State Government: Provided further that the development of habitations, townships and industrial corridors shall be undertaken in conformity with the applicable laws. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 18, the person referred to in sub­section (1) shall be entitled to collect and retain fees in such manner and at all such rates as may be prescribed by rules made under section 18 and in accordance with the terms of the agreement referred to in sub-section (1). (3) A person referred to in sub-section (1), including its employee who has been authorised in this behalf by such person or by the State Government or the Authority, shall have powers to regulate and control the traffic in accordance with the provisions of this Act on the highway forming subject matter of the agreement referred to in sub-section (1), for safe and orderly operation and management thereof. (4) A person referred to in sub-section (1) may use, or cause to be used, or sub-licence, the land or property forming part of a highway, in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder, as if such person is the State Government or the Authority, as the case may be, but always subject to the provisions of the agreement referred to in sub-section (1).