Publication of notification under Section 3A

## Report on Land Acquisition for National Highway 965 Expansion in Maharashtra **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning the intended acquisition of land for the building, widening (two-lane with paved shoulder, four-laning, etc.), maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway 965 (NH965) in the state of Maharashtra. The core purpose is to facilitate infrastructure development by acquiring land parcels for the specified highway improvements. The key finding is the formal declaration of intent to acquire specific land parcels and the procedure outlined for objections from affected parties. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative overview of a government notification (S.O. 2619E) published in the Gazette of India on June 13, 2025, regarding the acquisition of land for the improvement of National Highway 965 in Maharashtra. The analysis is based solely on the text of the provided notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to acquire land necessary for the building, widening (two-lane with paved shoulder, four-laning, etc.), maintenance, management, and operation of NH965 in the stretch of land from Km. 0.000 to Km. 59.000 within the Solapur district of Maharashtra. This includes expanding the existing infrastructure and ensuring its efficient functioning. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy:** The policy addresses the need for improved road infrastructure to support transportation and economic development. The specified activities (building, widening, maintenance, etc.) strongly suggest that the existing highway infrastructure is deemed inadequate to meet current or projected traffic demands, necessitating expansion and upgrades. This is likely due to increased traffic volume, safety concerns, or the need to improve connectivity. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** This document outlines a **new** process. The main provisions include: * **Declaration of Intent:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire land for the specified purpose. * **Geographic Scope:** The acquisition affects land along NH965 from Km 0.000 to Km 59.000 in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. * **Land Details:** The notification includes a schedule detailing specific land parcels to be acquired, including survey/plot numbers, type of land (Private Dry), and area in hectares for selected villages (Pokharapur, Penur and Tungat). * **Objection Mechanism:** Individuals with an interest in the land have 21 days from the notification's publication date to object to the acquisition. * **Competent Authority:** The Competent Authority, CALA Pandharpur, will receive and review objections. * **Hearing Process:** The Competent Authority will provide objectors with an opportunity to be heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner. * **Authority Decision:** The Competent Authority will make a final and binding decision on whether to allow or disallow the objections. * **Land Plan Availability:** Land plans and other details of the land to be acquired are available for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Landowners in the Solapur district of Maharashtra, specifically in the villages of Pokharapur, Penur and Tungat, whose land falls within the identified stretch of NH965 (Km 0.000 to Km 59.000). * Residents and businesses in the surrounding areas who may be affected by the highway construction or expansion. * The Competent Authority, CALA Pandharpur, responsible for managing the land acquisition process and addressing objections. * The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), as indicated by the file number, as the implementing agency for the highway project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing the notification) * National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) (likely implementing the project) * CALA Pandharpur (Competent Authority for handling objections and land acquisition) * **Timelines/Procedures:** * 21-day period for landowners to file objections from the date of publication (June 13, 2025). * The Competent Authority is responsible for hearing objections and making a determination. * Land plans are made available for inspection. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **New Policy:** The intended outcomes include: * Facilitating the expansion and improvement of NH965. * Enhancing transportation infrastructure in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. * Potentially improved connectivity, reduced travel times, and increased economic activity. * A resolution of land acquisition disputes (if any) through the objection process. **9. Conclusion:** The notification represents a significant step towards improving transportation infrastructure in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. The acquisition of land for the building, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of NH965 is expected to lead to enhanced connectivity and economic benefits. The notification establishes a clear process for landowners to object to the acquisition, ensuring that their concerns are addressed by the Competent Authority. This initiative is vital for the continued development of the region's transport network and economic prosperity.

Key Entities Referenced