Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding National Highway No. 26 Upgradation in Odisha **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 a section of National Highway No. 26 in the state of Odisha. The notification authorizes a designated officer to act as the competent authority for land acquisition related to the project. The key finding is the specific allocation of authority for facilitating the upgrade of a particular highway section, impacting landowners and residents within the affected area. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a notification pertaining to the upgradation of a segment of National Highway No. 26 in Odisha. The analysis is solely based on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This document does not appear to be a new overarching policy, but rather an action taken under the existing National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective:** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the upgradation of the Nabarangpur to Boriguma Section of National Highway No. 26 to 2-laning with paved shoulders. **4. Background and Rationale:** As this notification relates to highway upgrades, the rationale is likely driven by a need to improve transportation infrastructure. Based on the text, the area along the Nabarangpur to Boriguma section of NH-26 requires upgrading from its current state to two lanes with paved shoulders. The notification suggests that land acquisition is a necessary step for this upgrade. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification is a specific action taken under the existing National Highways Act, 1956 and authorizes the following: * **Designation of Competent Authority:** The core change is the authorization of an officer (Tahasildar of Boriguma) to act as the "competent authority" under the National Highways Act, 1956. This officer is now responsible for performing the functions related to land acquisition as defined in the Act. * **Geographic Scope:** The notification specifies the exact stretch of land affected: km 294.280 to 319.280 of National Highway No. 26, located in the Koraput district, Boriguma Taluk/Mandal, and specific villages: Aunli, Majhia, Kamra, Kaliagura, Kunduraguda, and Jhilimili. * **Purpose of Land Acquisition:** The land acquisition is specifically for the purpose of upgrading the highway to 2-laning with paved shoulders. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Landowners and residents** in the villages of Aunli, Majhia, Kamra, Kaliagura, Kunduraguda, and Jhilimili within the Boriguma Taluk/Mandal of Koraput district, Odisha, as their land may be subject to acquisition. * **The designated "competent authority" (Tahasildar of Boriguma)** who is now responsible for managing the land acquisition process. * **Construction companies** that will eventually be involved in the highway upgrade project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the overall responsible agency. The Tahasildar of Boriguma is the designated competent authority for land acquisition within the specified area. * **Procedures:** The notification implies that the land acquisition process will follow the guidelines and procedures outlined in the National Highways Act, 1956. These would include processes for valuation, compensation, and dispute resolution. * **Timelines:** No specific timelines are provided in the notification. However, the effective date is the date of publication in the Official Gazette (August 13, 2021). **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification are: * **Expedited Land Acquisition:** By designating a competent authority, the process of land acquisition for the highway upgrade is expected to proceed more efficiently. * **Highway Upgradation:** The ultimate goal is the successful completion of the 2-laning with paved shoulders project on the designated section of National Highway No. 26. * **Improved Transportation:** This upgradation is expected to improve transportation efficiency, reduce travel time, and enhance safety along this section of the highway. **9. Conclusion:** This notification represents a specific action taken to facilitate the upgrade of a section of National Highway No. 26 in Odisha. By designating a competent authority for land acquisition, the notification aims to streamline the process and enable the timely completion of the highway upgrade project. This project is significant for improving transportation infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

Key Entities Referenced