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

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for Upgradation of National Highway NH135A in Uttar Pradesh **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding land acquisition for the upgradation of a section of National Highway NH135A in Uttar Pradesh. The notification authorizes specific officers to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act of 1956 for acquiring land needed to upgrade the 34.9 km to 73.175 km stretch of NH135A to a 4-lane highway with paved shoulders. The key finding is the identification of the specific villages, districts, and officers involved in the land acquisition process for this infrastructure project. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a policy notification pertaining to land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway NH135A in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, based solely on the provided text. The purpose of this report is to inform affected industries about the scope and implications of this notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy notification relating to land acquisition for infrastructure development. * **Core Objective(s):** The primary objective is to facilitate the upgradation of a specified stretch of National Highway NH135A (34.9 km to 73.175 km) to a 4-lane highway with paved shoulders. The objective is achieved by authorizing specific officers to acquire land under the National Highways Act, 1956. **4. Background and Rationale:** The policy addresses the need for improved road infrastructure to handle increased traffic volume and enhance connectivity. Upgrading the specified stretch of NH135A to a 4-lane highway with paved shoulders likely aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, and facilitate smoother transportation of goods and people in the region. The land acquisition is a necessary step to facilitate this infrastructure development. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy outlining the following key provisions: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The notification authorizes officers listed in column 2 of the schedule to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Land Acquisition:** The notification pertains to land acquisition for upgrading the 34.9KM to 73.175KM stretch of NH135A to 4 lanes with paved shoulders. * **Geographic Scope:** The land acquisition affects specific villages within the Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh, specifically related to the NH135A highway. The villages include Madarpur, Harbuspur, Ranjitpur, Jagatganj, Rasena Kuddupur, Ram Dayal Gahora, Ranipur, Jamalapur, Unchani Kalan, Unchani Kurd, Sikandarpur, Chaktala Mariahu, Subhashpur, Soitha Sarai Kalidas, Maidieh, Jogapur, Dilawarpur, Seer, Kasba Mariahu, Shivpur, Seur, Sarauna, Jogapur, Pali, Rampur, Raipur, Sheetalganj, Katghara, Purauttam, Aura, Gandhauna, Sidvan, and Pachval. * **Legal Basis:** The notification is issued in exercise of powers conferred by clause (a) of section 3 of the National Highways Act, 1956. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the directly affected parties and stakeholders include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified stretch of NH135A in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh. * **Residents:** Individuals residing in the listed villages who may be displaced or affected by the highway expansion. * **Transport Companies:** Companies that rely on this stretch of highway for transport of goods and services. * **Construction Companies:** Businesses that may bid on the construction contract to upgrade the highway. * **Uttar Pradesh State Government:** The state government is responsible for coordinating the land acquisition process and ensuring smooth implementation of the project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Central Government through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Additional District Magistrate/Collector of Jaunpur, and the authorized officers mentioned in the Schedule. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (February 9, 2021). The specific procedures for land acquisition will be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956. * **No compensation or relocation details are mentioned within this text.** **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification are: * **Efficient Land Acquisition:** Streamlined land acquisition process facilitated by the authorization of competent authorities. * **Highway Upgradation:** Upgrading the specified stretch of NH135A to a 4-lane highway with paved shoulders. * **Improved Transportation:** Enhanced connectivity, reduced traffic congestion, and improved road safety. * **Economic Development:** Facilitated transportation of goods and services, contributing to economic growth in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways outlines the authorization of officers to acquire land for upgrading a section of National Highway NH135A in Uttar Pradesh. This is a crucial step toward improving road infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and promoting economic development in the region. It is of significant importance to landowners, residents, transport companies, and other stakeholders who will be directly or indirectly impacted by this policy implementation. Further information regarding compensation, resettlement, and specific project timelines would be beneficial for all stakeholders.

Key Entities Referenced