Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway 152 (NH152) in Haryana **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding land acquisition for National Highway 152 (NH152) in the state of Haryana. The notification authorizes designated officers to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act of 1956 for the stretch of land from Km. 0 to Km. 42.5 of NH152. This authorization is for building, widening (potentially to four lanes), maintenance, management, and operation of the highway. The key finding is the delegation of authority for land acquisition, signifying the commencement or progression of infrastructure development activities on NH152. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification concerning land acquisition related to National Highway 152 (NH152) in Haryana. The analysis is based solely on the text of the provided notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a *new* policy action, not an amendment. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the building, widening (potentially four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of a specific section of National Highway 152 (NH152) in Haryana. This requires land acquisition, which this policy action enables. **4. Background and Rationale:** As this is a new policy action (authorizing land acquisition for a specific purpose), the likely problem being addressed is the need to improve transportation infrastructure along the NH152 corridor. This improvement could be driven by factors such as increased traffic volume, the need for better connectivity, or regional development goals. The authorization of competent authorities is a necessary step to initiate the land acquisition process, which is a prerequisite for any major infrastructure development project like widening or upgrading a highway. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification establishes the following: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The central government, through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, authorizes officers, as mentioned in column 2 of the 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 (four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation activities on the specified stretch of NH152. * **Geographic Scope:** The authorization applies specifically to the stretch of land from Km. 0 to Km. 42.5 of NH152 in the State of Haryana. * **Legal Basis:** The authorization is based on the powers conferred by clause (a) of section 3 of the National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956). * **Effect Date:** The authorization is effective from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette (June 13, 2025). * **Specific Location:** The land being acquired is in the Ambala district (Ambala City Taluk/Mandal), specifically in the village of Bishangarh, and covers revenue KM 18 to KM 42.5. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the identified stretch (Km. 0 to Km. 42.5) of NH152 in the specified area within Haryana, as they are subject to land acquisition. * **Residents:** Individuals residing in or near the specified stretch of NH152 who may be affected by construction or road widening activities. * **National Highways Authority of India (NHAI):** As they are likely the implementing agency for the highway project. * **Contractors:** Companies involved in the construction, maintenance, and operation of the highway. * **Commuters/Businesses:** Those who rely on NH152 for transportation and commerce. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the issuing authority. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is likely involved in implementing the project. The revenue officer is responsible for land acquisition. * **Timeline/Procedures:** The notification doesn't provide specific timelines but indicates that the land acquisition process can now commence. Procedures will likely follow the National Highways Act, 1956, and related regulations. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes based on the policy's provisions are: * **Expedited Land Acquisition:** The authorization of competent authorities is expected to streamline the land acquisition process, removing a potential bottleneck in the highway development project. * **Improved Transportation Infrastructure:** The project aims to improve the condition and capacity of NH152, potentially by widening it to four lanes. * **Enhanced Connectivity:** Improved highway infrastructure will enhance connectivity within the region, facilitating the movement of people and goods. * **Economic Development:** Better transportation links can stimulate economic activity in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The notification authorizing land acquisition for NH152 in Haryana marks a crucial step in improving transportation infrastructure in the region. By delegating authority to competent officers, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to expedite the land acquisition process and facilitate the construction, maintenance, and operation of the highway. This development is likely to have significant impacts on landowners, residents, commuters, and the overall economic landscape of the area.

Key Entities Referenced