Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: Development of Emergency Landing Facility on NHs **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a government notification regarding the development of an Emergency Landing Facility on National Highways (NHs). The notification, published on September 27, 2021, authorizes a Competent Authority to oversee land acquisition and construction related to this facility on a specific stretch of National Highway 16 (formerly NH 60) in West Bengal. The core purpose is to enable the development of this emergency landing strip. Key findings include the identification of the responsible authority, the geographical scope of the project, and the specific location targeted for land acquisition. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways concerning the development of an Emergency Landing Facility on National Highways. This analysis is based solely on the text of the notification provided. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a *new* policy establishing a specific project related to national highways. * **Core Objective(s):** As inferred from the provided text, the core objective is the development of an Emergency Landing Facility on National Highway No. 16 (formerly NH 60) in West Bengal, specifically the construction of a 5km stretch between Km 83.400 and Km 88.400. The objective also includes the land acquisition necessary for this construction. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy focused on an emergency landing facility, the rationale likely stems from a perceived need to improve national security, disaster response capabilities, or air traffic management by utilizing sections of national highways as emergency airstrips. The policy addresses the problem of where emergency landing strips can be built. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** Since this is a new policy, the following details the main components: * The policy authorizes the officer mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule annexed as the Competent Authority to perform the functions of such authority under the National Highways Act, 1956. * The notification pertains specifically to the development of an Emergency Landing Facility on NHs. * It focuses on the construction from Km. 83.400 to Km. 88.400 (approximately 5.00 Km) on the Balasore to Kharagpur section of National Highway No. 16 (formerly NH 60) in West Bengal. * The schedule details the land acquisition on National Highway No. NH 60/New NH No 16 in West Bengal. * The Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Paschim Medinipur district (Narayangarh Taluk/Mandal, Gobindapur Village, JL No 419) in West Bengal is identified as the Competent Authority for the specified stretch. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the target audience and stakeholders directly affected include: * The Additional District Magistrate of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, who is designated as the Competent Authority. * Residents and landowners in the Gobindapur Village (JL No 419) of Narayangarh Taluk/Mandal within Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, due to land acquisition for the project. * Construction companies and contractors involved in the road construction industry. * Potentially, airline companies and relevant emergency service personnel. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Central Government (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) and the Additional District Magistrate of Paschim Medinipur. * **Timelines or procedures:** The policy is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (September 27, 2021). The notification triggers the process of land acquisition and subsequent construction. The specific procedures for land acquisition would likely follow established legal frameworks. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes, based on the policy's provisions, are: * Successful land acquisition within the specified area on NH16. * Construction of a 5 km stretch of highway suitable for use as an emergency landing facility. * Improved emergency response capabilities in the region. * Potentially, improved transportation infrastructure and connectivity along the NH16 corridor. **9. Conclusion:** The notification outlines the initial steps for the development of an Emergency Landing Facility on NH16 in West Bengal. This project involves land acquisition and construction managed by a designated Competent Authority. The successful implementation of this policy will likely improve emergency response capabilities and potentially enhance transportation infrastructure in the region. The notification highlights the commitment of the Central Government to improve infrastructure for strategic and emergency purposes.

Key Entities Referenced