In exercise of powers conferred by clause a of section 3 of the National Highways Act

## Policy Analysis Report: National Highways Act, 1956 - Amendment Regarding NH135A in Uttar Pradesh **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, published on June 11, 2021. The notification pertains to an amendment under the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically authorizing competent authorities for land acquisition related to the upgradation of a section of National Highway NH135A in Uttar Pradesh. The core purpose of this amendment is to facilitate the 2-laning with paved shoulders of a specific stretch of the highway. The key finding is the delegation of authority for land acquisition to designated officers, enabling the commencement of the highway improvement project. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview of the amendment notification S.O. 2266(E), issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on June 11, 2021, regarding the National Highways Act, 1956. The analysis focuses on the provided text to inform stakeholders about the purpose, provisions, and potential implications of this amendment, specifically related to land acquisition for the upgradation of NH135A in Uttar Pradesh. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification is an amendment under the National Highways Act, 1956. The core objective of this amendment, as inferred from the provided text, is to facilitate the upgradation of a section of National Highway NH135A from Km. 34.9 to 73.175 to 2-laning with paved shoulders. This involves the acquisition of land along the specified stretch. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification amends the existing framework of the National Highways Act, 1956, by specifically delegating authority for land acquisition related to the NH135A project. The likely reason for this specific amendment is to enable the government to commence the land acquisition process, which is necessary for the highway upgradation. By authorizing competent authorities, the amendment likely aims to streamline the land acquisition process, removing a potential bottleneck in the project timeline. This suggests that land acquisition is a critical step in the upgradation plan. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces specific changes related to the delegation of authority for land acquisition. * **What is being changed:** The existing framework of the National Highways Act, 1956, is being modified by this notification to allow for the designation of specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition. * **What the new rule/provision is:** The notification authorizes officers, as mentioned in column 2 of the schedule, to perform the functions of competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. This applies to the stretch of land specified in column 3, and the corresponding state, districts, taluk/mandal, and villages mentioned in columns 4, 5, 6, and 7 respectively of the schedule. This delegation is specifically for the upgradation of Km. 34.9 to 73.175 of Jaunpur NH135A in Uttar Pradesh to 2-laning with paved shoulders. * **Effect of the change:** This change empowers the designated officers to oversee and manage the land acquisition process, facilitating the highway upgradation project. Without this delegation of authority, the project would likely face delays in acquiring the necessary land. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the following are directly affected: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land along the specified stretch of NH135A between Km. 34.9 and 73.175 in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, are directly impacted as their land may be subject to acquisition. * **Residents of Affected Villages:** The residents of the villages listed in the schedule (Lakhmipur, Raibhanipur, Kadipur, Umarpur Haribandhanpur, Chandpur, Saidanpur, Uttampur, Phoolpur Arazi, Aashmanpatti, Rampur Naddi, Majhavat, Basudev Patti, Chak Sadho, Sarai Kalidas, Khizirpur Mariahu, Sarai Khurd, Ibrahimpur, Ahmadpur, Ahirauli Sheetalganj, Kumbhapur, Khemapur, Mai, KotGaon, Dhanuha, Esmaila) are directly affected by the potential displacement or disruption caused by the highway upgradation. * **Construction and Engineering Companies:** Businesses involved in road construction and engineering will be stakeholders in this project. * **Local Government:** The district administration of Jaunpur. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the primary responsible agency. The Additional District Magistrate and Collector of Jaunpur are designated as competent authorities. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (June 11, 2021). The specific procedures for land acquisition are not detailed in this notification but would likely follow established legal frameworks. * **Amendment-Specific Implementation:** The implementation of this specific amendment hinges on the designated officers understanding their responsibilities and initiating the land acquisition process in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this specific amendment is to expedite the land acquisition process, thus enabling the timely commencement and completion of the 2-laning with paved shoulders project on NH135A. The potential impacts include: * **Improved Infrastructure:** Upgraded highway infrastructure, leading to better connectivity and reduced travel times. * **Economic Development:** Enhanced transportation infrastructure can stimulate economic activity in the region. * **Potential Displacement:** Displacement of people and disruption of livelihoods due to land acquisition. * **Increased Land Value:** Appreciation in land value along the upgraded highway. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 2266(E) represents a crucial step in the upgradation of NH135A in Uttar Pradesh. By authorizing specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition, the amendment aims to streamline the process and facilitate the timely execution of the highway improvement project. The effective implementation of this amendment will have significant implications for landowners, residents, and the overall transportation infrastructure in the region.

Key Entities Referenced