(1) With effect from such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint in this behalf, there shall be constituted for the purposes of this Act an Authority to be called the National Highways Authority of India.
     (2) The Authority shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid having perpetual succession and a common seal, with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract and shall by the said name sue and be sued.
     ¹ [(3) The Authority shall consist of--
         (a) a Chairman;
         (b) not more than six full-time members; and
         (c) not more than six part-time members,
to be appointed by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette:
     Provided that the Central Government shall, while appointing the part-time members, ensure that at least two of them are non-Government professionals having knowledge or experience in financial management, transportation planning or any other relevant discipline.]