Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: National Highway NH53 Land Acquisition in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a new policy notification (S.O. 2329E) from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning land acquisition for National Highway No. NH53 in the state of Odisha. This policy authorizes specific officers as competent authorities to perform functions under the National Highways Act, 1956, relating to a stretch of land from Km. 0 to Km. 21.4 of NH53. The core purpose is to facilitate the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of the specified section of the highway. The key finding is the designation of specific officers to expedite land acquisition processes. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative overview of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' notification regarding land acquisition for the National Highway No. NH53 in Odisha, based solely on the content of the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy notification. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to authorize competent authorities to perform functions related to land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956, to facilitate construction, expansion, and maintenance activities on a specific stretch of NH53 in Odisha. **4. Background and Rationale:** As this is a new policy for this specific stretch of land, it likely addresses the need to acquire land efficiently and legally to improve the infrastructure on National Highway 53. The increasing traffic volume and the need for better road connectivity in Odisha may be the underlying reasons driving this land acquisition initiative. The policy aims to streamline the process by designating specific authorities with the power to act under the National Highways Act. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy notification, therefore the key provisions are: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The Central Government authorizes specific officers, as detailed in Column 2 of the attached schedule, to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Scope of Authority:** These authorities are empowered to perform functions related to land acquisition for building, widening (including four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of a specific stretch of National Highway NH53. * **Geographic Scope:** The policy applies to the stretch of land from Km. 0 to Km. 21.4 of NH53 in the state of Odisha. * **Specific Location Details:** The policy specifies the districts (Jajpur), Taluk/Mandal (Dharmasala & Darpan), and Villages (Kantigadia, Bandareswor, Matkatpur, Baujang) affected by the land acquisition. * **Competent Authority Designation:** Identifies the "Special Land Acquisition Officer (LAO) Civil, NH53, Jajpur" as the designated competent authority. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * Landowners and residents within the Km. 0 to Km. 21.4 stretch of NH53 in the Jajpur district of Odisha, specifically in the villages of Kantigadia, Bandareswor, Matkatpur, and Baujang. * The Jajpur district administration. * The Odisha State Government. * Construction companies and contractors involved in the NH53 project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the primary responsible agency. The Special Land Acquisition Officer (LAO) Civil, NH53, Jajpur, is the designated competent authority responsible for implementing the land acquisition process. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The policy is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (May 26, 2025). While specific timelines aren't explicitly mentioned, the policy's objective suggests an expedited land acquisition process. Procedures would likely follow the guidelines outlined in the National Highways Act, 1956. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this policy notification include: * **Expedited Land Acquisition:** Streamlining the land acquisition process for the NH53 project by designating competent authorities. * **Improved Infrastructure:** Facilitating the construction, widening (four-laning), and maintenance of the specified stretch of NH53. * **Enhanced Connectivity:** Contributing to better road connectivity and reduced travel times in the region. * **Economic Development:** Potentially stimulating economic activity in the region through improved infrastructure. **9. Conclusion:** This notification (S.O. 2329E) represents a crucial step towards improving the infrastructure on National Highway NH53 in Odisha. By authorizing specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition, the policy aims to expedite the process and facilitate the execution of vital road development projects. This policy will likely impact the listed villages and their inhabitants directly, while also contributing to broader economic and transportation benefits for the region.

Key Entities Referenced