Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding land acquisition for the development of a 4/6 lane Greenfield access-controlled expressway from Varanasi to Kolkata. The notification authorizes specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition within designated areas of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, as part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana PhaseII lot9 package3 Under PIU Varanasi Km 0000 to KM 101000. The key finding is the delineation of authority and scope for land acquisition related to this infrastructure project in specific districts, taluks, and villages. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a detailed overview of the notification S.O. 4181(E) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on September 7, 2022, pertaining to land acquisition for the Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway project. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the given text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the development of a 4/6 lane Greenfield access-controlled expressway from Varanasi to Kolkata. This is achieved by authorizing specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition, a necessary step for infrastructure development. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy:** The document appears to initiate the land acquisition process for a new expressway project. The underlying issue addressed is likely the need for improved transportation infrastructure connecting Varanasi and Kolkata, with the expressway serving as a means to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic growth. The project is part of the larger Bharatmala Pariyojana, suggesting a broader national strategy for infrastructure development. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** This notification primarily establishes the legal framework and assigns responsibility for land acquisition activities. * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The core provision is the authorization of officers listed in Column 2 of the Schedule to perform the functions of competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Geographic Scope:** The Schedule specifies the stretch of land affected, delineating it by state (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar), district, taluk (Mandal), and village. Specifically, the land falls Under PIU Varanasi Km 0000 to KM 101000 * **Project Definition:** The notification clearly defines the project as the "Development of 46 lane Green Field access control expressway from Varanasi to Kolkata from Varanasi Ring Road Km 00.000 near Barhuli village to Km 610.417 NH 16, near Uluberia, Howrah District, West Bengal under Bharatmala Pariyojana PhaseII lot9 package3 Under PIU Varanasi Km 0000 to KM 101000" **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified stretch of land in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are directly affected by the potential land acquisition. * **Residents:** Residents of the villages listed in the Schedule may be impacted by the project. * **Local Authorities:** District and Taluk (Mandal) level authorities will be involved in the land acquisition process. * **Construction Companies:** Companies involved in the construction of the expressway. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the primary responsible agency. The Additional District Magistrate and D.L.A.O Rohtas are designated as competent authorities for specific stretches. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (September 7, 2022). The procedures for land acquisition will likely follow the provisions of the National Highways Act, 1956, though specific timelines are not included in this text. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **New Policy:** The intended outcomes of this policy are: * **Expedited Land Acquisition:** Authorizing competent authorities will streamline the land acquisition process. * **Infrastructure Development:** Facilitate the construction of the Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway. * **Improved Connectivity:** Enhance transportation connectivity between Varanasi and Kolkata. * **Economic Growth:** The project is expected to contribute to economic development in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 4181(E) represents a crucial step in the development of the Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway. By authorizing specific officers to oversee land acquisition within defined geographical areas, the policy aims to facilitate the timely and efficient implementation of this significant infrastructure project under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The notification's significance lies in its direct impact on landowners and residents within the project area, as well as its contribution to broader national infrastructure goals.

Key Entities Referenced