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

## Policy Analysis Report: National Highways Act, 1956 - Authorization of Competent Authorities for NH-72 Expansion **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 202(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, published on January 15, 2021. This notification, enacted under Section 3(a) of the National Highways Act, 1956, authorizes specific officers as competent authorities to perform functions related to land acquisition and highway development for a defined stretch of National Highway No. 72 in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The key finding is the designation of these authorities is to facilitate the building, widening (four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the specified highway sections. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of the notification S.O. 202(E), issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on January 15, 2021, pertaining to the National Highways Act, 1956. The analysis is based solely on the content of the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification pertains to the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective:** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to authorize competent authorities to facilitate the building, widening (four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of a specific stretch of National Highway No. 72. This involves land acquisition and related processes. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Likely Problem/Issue Addressed (Inferred):** The policy likely addresses the need to expedite land acquisition and project implementation for the development of the National Highway No. 72. Designating competent authorities streamlines the processes and empowers them to execute their functions efficiently. The need for four-laning and expansion suggests existing infrastructure is insufficient for current traffic volume. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** * The notification authorizes officers (mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule) as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * This authorization pertains to the stretch of land from Km. 104.000 to Km. 149.000 of the National Highway No. 72 (Ballupur Dehradun to Paonta Sahib) and Km. 97.000 to Km. 104.000 of the National Highway No. 72 (Paonta Sahib Bypass). * The authorized functions include building, widening (four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the specified highway sections. * The authorization covers land in the State of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. * The Schedule lists villages impacted, including Ganguwala, Kedarpur, Bhatanwali, Bhuppur, Batamandi, Naya Kedarpur, Shamsherpur, Mirzapur Aka, Dhalipur, Bairagiwala, Prateetpur Kalyanpur, Dharmawala, Shahpur Kalyanpur, Aduwala, Kunjagrant, Kunja, Kulhal Matak, Timley Competent, Mednipur Badripur Authority of Land, Majri, Jatowala, Tiparpur, Sabhawala, Kalyanpur, Hasanpur, Sherpur, Shisambada, Kandouli, Kolhupani, Sudowala, Jhajhra, Dhulkot Khalsa, Dhulkot Mafi, Shankarpur, Hakumatpur, Indripur, Sahaspur, Ambiwala, Keshowala, Paleo Nathuwala, East Hope Town, Central Hope Town, Matka Majri, Badripur, Shahpur Santor, Mithi Behadi, Arcadia Grant, Panditwadi Dehradun, Dhartawala Mafi, Bajwala, Ranghar wala, Kanwali, Garhi. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the following are directly affected: * **Landowners:** Residents and landowners within the specified villages (listed in the Schedule) in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, as their land may be subject to acquisition. * **Residents/Commuters:** Those who use or reside near the National Highway No. 72 within the specified stretches. * **Construction and Engineering Companies:** Businesses involved in road construction, maintenance, and management, who may be contracted for the highway development. * **Local Businesses:** Businesses located along the highway, whose operations may be affected by construction or altered traffic patterns. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Central Government) and the Competent Authorities designated in the Schedule. * **Procedures (Inferred):** The competent authorities are responsible for land acquisition, likely following established legal procedures under the National Highways Act, 1956. The mention of the National Highways Act implies adherence to the act's provisions regarding compensation, dispute resolution, and other related matters. * **Timelines:** The notification comes into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (January 15, 2021). Specific project timelines are not detailed in the provided text. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **Likely Intended Outcomes:** * Efficient land acquisition for highway development. * Expedited construction, widening, and maintenance of the specified stretches of NH-72. * Improved connectivity and reduced travel time along the route. * Enhanced road safety due to improved infrastructure. * Boost to local economies through improved transportation infrastructure. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 202(E) marks a significant step towards the development and improvement of National Highway No. 72. By designating competent authorities, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to streamline the land acquisition process and facilitate the efficient execution of construction and maintenance activities. This initiative is expected to enhance connectivity, improve road safety, and stimulate economic growth in the affected regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The listed villages in the schedule will be directly impacted by land acquisition.

Key Entities Referenced