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

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for National Highway NH753F Upgradation in Maharashtra **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway NH753F in Maharashtra. The notification, dated January 18, 2021, authorizes specific officers as competent authorities to perform functions related to land acquisition for the project. The key finding is that this notification initiates the formal process of land acquisition required for the highway's upgrade to a two-lane road with paved shoulders. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' notification S.O. 233(E), published in the Gazette of India on January 18, 2021. The report aims to inform stakeholders about the notification's purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on land acquisition for the NH753F highway upgradation project in Maharashtra based solely on the content of the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification is likely a component of a broader policy initiative for national highway development and infrastructure improvement. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the primary objective is to facilitate the *upgradation of National Highway NH753F to a two-lane configuration with paved shoulders*. This necessitates the acquisition of land along the specified stretch of the highway. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy Rationale:** The policy is likely in response to the need for improved road infrastructure. The notification indicates the need to upgrade the existing highway, which suggests that the current infrastructure is inadequate to handle current or projected traffic volume, or perhaps needs safety enhancements. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification is *a new policy specifically authorizing land acquisition*. Key provisions include: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The notification grants the officers listed in column 2 of the schedule the authority to act as "competent authorities" under the National Highways Act of 1956. * **Land Acquisition for Upgradation:** The notification specifically targets land required for the upgradation of NH753F to a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders. * **Geographic Scope:** The land acquisition is limited to the stretch of NH753F from km 1.275 to km 31.4 within the state of Maharashtra, specifically in the Pune district, Mulshi taluk, and specified villages (Disali, Jamgaon, Maale, Bavadhan Bk, Bhugaon, Bhukum, Ambadveth, Darawali, Akole, Paud, Kasar Amboli, Vithalwadi, Kondhawale, Kalamshet, Shere, and Pirangut). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land along the specified stretch of NH753F will be directly affected by the land acquisition process. * **Residents of Affected Villages:** Communities in Disali, Jamgaon, Maale, Bavadhan Bk, Bhugaon, Bhukum, Ambadveth, Darawali, Akole, Paud, Kasar Amboli, Vithalwadi, Kondhawale, Kalamshet, Shere, and Pirangut will be impacted. * **The Competent Authorities:** The officers listed in the schedule who are now authorized to carry out the land acquisition. * **Construction Companies:** Businesses involved in the highway upgradation project. * **The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:** The governing body responsible for implementing the project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is ultimately responsible. The Sub Divisional Officer magistrate Pune is a Competent Authority. * **Timelines and Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (January 18, 2021), initiating the land acquisition process. The specific procedures for land acquisition are governed by the National Highways Act, 1956. * There is reference to Sub Divisional Officer magistrate Maval Mulshi Sub Division Pune Office No.211 2nd Floor New Administrative Building Opp. Council Hall Pune1 **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **Expected Outcomes:** The intended outcome is to facilitate the smooth and legal acquisition of land required for the upgradation of NH753F. This will enable the construction of a wider, safer highway, potentially improving traffic flow, reducing travel times, and boosting economic activity in the region. * The impact of changes is to upgrade the section of highway to two lanes with paved shoulders. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed in this report is a crucial step in the process of upgrading National Highway NH753F. By authorizing specific officers as competent authorities for land acquisition, the notification sets the stage for the project's implementation. The upgrade is likely to improve road safety and efficiency for the region. It will significantly affect the communities near this highway section.

Key Entities Referenced