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

## Report on Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway in Jammu & Kashmir **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 2269(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning land acquisition for the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway within the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The notification, dated June 11, 2021, authorizes designated officers to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956 for a specific stretch of land (Km 514.5 to Km 553.5). The key finding is the delegation of authority for land acquisition, indicating progress in the expressway project. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an overview of the notification S.O. 2269(E), dated June 11, 2021, pertaining to land acquisition for the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy notification concerning land acquisition under the existing National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to facilitate the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of a section of the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway within the specified area of Jammu & Kashmir by empowering competent authorities. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy concerning a specific project (the expressway construction), it can be inferred that the notification addresses the need to acquire land legally and efficiently for the planned infrastructure development. The notification enables the project to proceed by designating authorities with the power to oversee land acquisition processes under the relevant Act. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * This notification designates officers mentioned in Column 2 of the Schedule (Deputy Commissioner, JAMMU) as the competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * The authorization applies to a specific stretch of land: from Km. 514.5 to Km. 553.5. * The geographical scope is limited to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. * The stated purpose of the land acquisition is for building, widening, four-laning, etc., maintenance, management and operation in the U.T of JAMMU KASHMIR. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * **Directly Affected:** Landowners within the specified stretch of land (Km 514.5 to Km 553.5) in Jammu & Kashmir. * **Other Stakeholders:** * The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), specifically the PIU (Project Implementation Unit) in Jammu. * Construction companies involved in the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway project. * Residents and businesses in the Jammu & Kashmir region who will benefit from the improved infrastructure. * Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The competent authorities, specifically the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, are responsible for executing the land acquisition process according to the National Highways Act, 1956. NHAI PIU-Jammu appears to have an oversight role, as the file number suggests its involvement. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (June 11, 2021). Further procedures for land acquisition would be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956, although those specific procedures are not detailed in this notification. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this notification is to streamline the land acquisition process for the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway within the specified stretch of Jammu & Kashmir. This will likely lead to: * Faster progress in the construction and development of the expressway. * Improved connectivity and transportation infrastructure in the region. * Potential economic benefits for the local communities through improved access and trade. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 2269(E) represents a crucial step in the development of the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway in Jammu & Kashmir. By authorizing competent authorities for land acquisition, the government aims to expedite the project and realize its intended benefits for the region's infrastructure and economy. This is a key element in facilitating infrastructure development and improved connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir.

Key Entities Referenced