maintenance, management and operation of Bhunda Harvanshpur to Pilibhit Section (Km.132.000 to Km.183.380) of NH 730C, NH 730B NH 731K in the State of Uttar Pradesh

## Policy Analysis Report: National Highways Act Amendment (March 25, 2021) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on March 25, 2021, which amends the National Highways Act of 1956. Based on the provided text, the amendment designates a "Competent Authority" to oversee land acquisition for road development projects, specifically the rehabilitation and upgradation of the Bhunda Harvanshpur to Pilibhit section of NH730C, NH730B, and NH731K in Uttar Pradesh. This amendment aims to facilitate the Green National Highway Corridor Project (GNHCP). The key finding is the formal authorization of an officer to perform the functions of the "Competent Authority" as defined by the National Highways Act. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of a notification published in the Gazette of India on March 25, 2021, pertaining to the National Highways Act, 1956. The analysis is based solely on the information provided in the text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification constitutes an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to expedite the process of land acquisition and facilitate the execution of highway development projects, specifically the rehabilitation and upgradation to 2-lane with paved shoulders/4-lane configuration of Bhunda Harvanshpur to Pilibhit Section Km.132.000 to Km.183.380 of NH730C, NH730B NH731K of in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This is achieved through the designation of a "Competent Authority." **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment appears to address potential bottlenecks in the land acquisition process that could delay the execution of the Green National Highway Corridor Project (GNHCP) in Uttar Pradesh. By formally authorizing a "Competent Authority," the government seeks to streamline decision-making and oversight related to land acquisition, potentially leading to faster project implementation. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces a change by: * **Specifying the Changed Portion:** The change affects the implementation of Section 3(a) of the National Highways Act, 1956, by adding a level of specific authority to perform functions under the said Act * **Defining the New Rule/Provision:** The new rule/provision involves the authorization of an officer, as mentioned in column 2 of the schedule, to act as the "Competent Authority" under the National Highways Act. * **Explaining the Difference/Effect:** This authorization grants the designated officer the power to perform functions related to land acquisition within the specified stretch of land. The effect is to clearly define the responsible party for this specific task. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * The designated "Competent Authority" * Landowners within the stretch of land specified (Bhunda Harvanshpur to Pilibhit Section Km.132.000 to Km.183.380 of NH730C, NH730B NH731K in Uttar Pradesh) * Construction companies involved in the GNHCP project. * The districts, talukas/mandals, and villages specifically listed in the schedule. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the primary responsible agency. The "Special Land Acquisition Officer" for Shahbajpur is identified as the "Competent Authority". * **Timelines or Procedures:** The amendment is effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette (March 25, 2021). The schedule outlines the stretch of land, state, district, taluka/mandal, and village relevant to the land acquisition. * **Focus on Change Implementation:** The implementation of this change requires the designated officer to assume their responsibilities as the "Competent Authority" and to begin overseeing the land acquisition process. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is to: * Expedite the land acquisition process for the Bhunda Harvanshpur to Pilibhit section highway project. * Facilitate the overall progress of the Green National Highway Corridor Project (GNHCP) in Uttar Pradesh. * Potentially reduce project delays and cost overruns associated with land acquisition challenges. **9. Conclusion:** The notification published on March 25, 2021, is a targeted amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, designed to streamline land acquisition for a specific highway project in Uttar Pradesh. By formally authorizing a "Competent Authority," the amendment aims to enhance the efficiency of the GNHCP and contribute to improved infrastructure development. This amendment underscores the government's commitment to expediting infrastructure projects through focused administrative measures.

Key Entities Referenced