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

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway NH753F Upgradation in Maharashtra **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway NH753F in the state of Maharashtra. The notification authorizes specific officers as competent authorities to perform functions under the National Highways Act, 1956, for acquiring land needed for upgrading a section of NH753F from km 69 to 103.775 to a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders. The key finding is the detailed specification of the affected area by district, taluk, and village, signifying a focused and localized land acquisition process for infrastructure improvement. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of a government notification pertaining to land acquisition for the upgradation of a section of National Highway NH753F in Maharashtra. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy focused on land acquisition. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective is to facilitate the upgradation of a specified stretch of National Highway NH753F from km 69 to 103.775 to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders. This is achieved by authorizing competent authorities to acquire the necessary land under the National Highways Act, 1956. **4. Background and Rationale:** The notification addresses the need for land acquisition to facilitate infrastructure development. Based on the notification, the problem the policy addresses is the insufficient infrastructure (likely a narrower road) requiring upgrade to improve connectivity, transportation efficiency, and potentially safety along the NH753F corridor. Upgrading to a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders suggests a need to increase traffic capacity and enhance road safety. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a New Policy, so we focus on the entire text. * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The central government authorizes specific officers (mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule, assumed to be Sub Divisional Officer, Mangaon) to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Land Acquisition for Upgradation:** The notification mandates land acquisition for upgrading the specified stretch of NH753F (km 69 to 103.775) to a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders. * **Geographic Specification:** The notification specifies the state (Maharashtra) and further details the affected areas by district (RAIGAD), taluk (Mangaon), and a list of specific villages (Vile, Sanaswadi, Warchiwadi, Bhagad, Yelwade, Umbardi, Tasgaon, Kandalgaon Kh., Bondshet, Kandalgaon Bk., Koste Kh., Koste Bk., Nizampur, Panaspe, Khardi Bk., Panose, Nanore, Khandad, Mangaon, Utekhol CT). * **Reference to National Highways Act:** The notification explicitly invokes the powers conferred by clause (a) of section 3 of the National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956), providing the legal basis for the land acquisition. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the notification, the primary target audience and stakeholders include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified stretch of NH753F in the mentioned villages, as their land will be subject to acquisition. * **Residents of Affected Villages:** Communities residing in the specified villages, as the highway expansion may impact their properties, access routes, and local environment. * **Transportation and Logistics Companies:** Businesses involved in transportation and logistics operating along NH753F, as the upgraded highway will improve efficiency. * **The Sub Divisional Officer, Mangaon** as the authorized competent authority. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the overall responsible agency. The Sub Divisional Officer, Mangaon, is the competent authority responsible for carrying out the land acquisition process. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (January 15, 2021). However, the notification doesn't explicitly define the procedures or timelines for the land acquisition process beyond that it should be performed under the National Highways Act, 1956. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification are: * **Efficient Land Acquisition:** Streamlining the land acquisition process by authorizing specific competent authorities. * **Infrastructure Development:** Facilitating the upgradation of NH753F, leading to improved road infrastructure. * **Enhanced Connectivity:** Improving connectivity and transportation efficiency along the NH753F corridor. * **Economic Growth:** Supporting economic activities in the region by improving transportation infrastructure. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed represents a crucial step in the process of upgrading National Highway NH753F. By authorizing competent authorities to acquire land under the National Highways Act, 1956, the government aims to facilitate the expansion of the highway to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders. This development is expected to have a positive impact on connectivity, transportation efficiency, and economic growth in the region, while also requiring careful attention to the rights and concerns of affected landowners and communities.

Key Entities Referenced