In exercise of powers conferred by clause a of section 3 of the National Highways Act 1956 48 of 1956 the Central Government hereby authorizes the officers mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule annexed here

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway 220 Upgradation in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway (NH) 220 in the state of Odisha. The notification authorizes designated officers to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956, for acquiring land necessary for upgrading a specific stretch of NH-220 to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders. The report identifies the affected regions, responsible agencies, and the anticipated impact of the upgrade. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of a government notification pertaining to land acquisition for the upgradation of a portion of National Highway 220 in Odisha. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objective of this notification is to facilitate the *upgradation of a stretch of National Highway 220 to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders*. This is achieved by authorizing specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition as mandated by the National Highways Act, 1956. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy:** This notification enacts the policies already defined under the National Highways Act, 1956. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** The notification establishes the following provisions: * Authorization of designated officers: The notification authorizes officers (mentioned in column 2 of the schedule) to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * Land acquisition for specified stretch: The notification specifies that land will be acquired for the stretch of NH-220 from Km. 0.0 to 35.840 (Tiring to Rairangpur) in Odisha. * Purpose of land acquisition: The acquired land is to be used for the upgradation of the specified stretch of NH-220 to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders. * Geographic scope: The affected areas are defined by the state, districts, talukas/mandals, and villages listed in columns 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the schedule. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the following are the key stakeholders: * **Landowners** within the specified stretch of NH-220 in Odisha (Tiring to Rairangpur) whose land will be acquired. * **Residents and businesses** in the affected villages: Badasiajang, Randisahi, Chengajoda, Naranpur, Sigidi, Nuagaon, Damadihi, Dharamdihi, Badadalima, Nischintpur, Badasadan, Jhadgaon, Bagdega, Bahalda, Tentela, Sabhapur, Gambharia, Kaduani, Dumadihi, Runjadihi, Basingi, Sanadalima, Mahuldiha, Dandbose, Patepani, Ichinda, Baidaposi, Kucheibudi, and Routkhamar. * **The authorized officers** designated as competent authorities for land acquisition. * **Contractors and construction companies** involved in the highway upgradation project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing the notification). * Designated officers authorized as competent authorities. * **Timelines/Procedures:** * The authorization is effective from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette (March 10, 2021). * The specific procedures for land acquisition would follow the National Highways Act, 1956. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification are: * **Facilitation of land acquisition:** Empowering designated officers will expedite the land acquisition process. * **Upgradation of NH-220:** The acquired land will enable the upgradation of the specified stretch of NH-220 to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders. * **Improved transportation infrastructure:** The upgraded highway will likely lead to improved traffic flow, reduced travel times, and enhanced road safety. * **Economic development:** Improved transportation infrastructure can contribute to economic development in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification authorizes land acquisition for the upgradation of a specific stretch of National Highway 220 in Odisha. This action will enable the highway to be upgraded to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders. This will likely lead to improved transportation infrastructure, contributing to regional development. Affected parties should familiarize themselves with the relevant provisions of the National Highways Act, 1956, to understand their rights and obligations during the land acquisition process.

Key Entities Referenced