Conventional approach to supraclavicular brachial plexus block is wrought with known technical setbacks due to close proximity of nerves, vessels, and lungs. A novel method, namely Lateral approach, away from the said structures to locate the plexus, is sought to be compared to the conventional technique. A prospective, randomized controlled clinical study was undertaken to compare the lateral (group L, n=38) and conventional (group C, n=38) approaches to supraclavicular brachial plexus block in 76 patients posted for upper limb surgeries, belonging to ASA physical status I and II, after obtaining informed written consent. Lateral approach was technically easier to perform but took longer time and more attempts in learning to locate the plexus, whose depth was 2.91±0.19 cm, (1.54±0.22 in group C). Block characteristics were similar in both the groups. There were no complications with group L but with Conventional approach, two cases of blood vessel puncture were encountered. Lateral approach to supraclavicular brachial plexus block is a novel,easier and safer technique than Conventional technique and practicable even without availability of USG and nerve stimulator.