Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: National Highway No. 20 Land Acquisition Notification **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway No. 20 (NH20) in the state of ODISHA. The core purpose of this notification is to authorize a Competent Authority to perform functions under the National Highways Act of 1956 to facilitate the land acquisition process for the specified highway improvement project. The key finding is the identification of the geographical areas and responsible parties involved in this phase of the project. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of the policy notification S.O. 1736 (E), issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on April 16, 2025, concerning land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway No. 20 in ODISHA. This analysis is based solely on the text of the provided notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification pertains to the execution of the National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956). * **Core Objective:** The core objective, inferred from the text, is to facilitate the upgrade of NH20 by enabling the acquisition of land necessary for the project. This involves legally authorizing a designated officer to act as the competent authority under the National Highways Act. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Background:** As this is a notification pertaining to land acquisition for a specific project, the underlying issue being addressed is the need to expand and improve the national highway infrastructure to enhance connectivity and transportation efficiency. The land acquisition is a necessary step to enable road expansion. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a *New Policy* related to a specific project execution. Therefore, the focus is on detailing the main components and actions mandated by the entire provided text. * **Establishment of Competent Authority:** The notification authorizes the officer mentioned in column 2 of the schedule to act as the "competent authority" under the National Highways Act, 1956. This authority is empowered to perform the functions stipulated under the Act to ensure smooth land acquisition. * **Geographical Scope:** The notification specifies the stretch of land required for the upgradation project. It covers the section of NH20 from kilometer 35.800 to 47.600, running from Mangalpur to Kayangola, including a spur to Aradi, within the state of ODISHA. * **Detailed Land Demarcation:** The schedule lists the State (ODISHA), District (BHADRAK), Taluk/Mandal (Chandabali) and specific Villages (Bodaka, Santara, Pahana, Aradi) affected by the land acquisition. This provides a clear geographical scope for the land acquisition process. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land along the specified stretch of NH20 within the listed villages in the Bhadrak district of ODISHA. * **Residents:** People residing in the listed villages who may be impacted by the highway project. * **Local Businesses:** Businesses operating within the affected area may face disruption or relocation. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * **Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:** The issuing authority for the notification, responsible for overseeing the national highway development project. * **Competent Authority (Tahasildar):** The officer designated to execute the land acquisition process as per the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (April 16, 2025). The specific procedures for land acquisition are governed by the National Highways Act, 1956, which outlines the process for valuation, compensation, and dispute resolution. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **Likely Intended Outcomes:** * **Expedited Land Acquisition:** The authorization of a Competent Authority should streamline the land acquisition process, reducing delays and facilitating timely project execution. * **Highway Upgradation:** The successful land acquisition will pave the way for the upgradation of NH20, leading to improved connectivity, reduced travel time, and enhanced transportation efficiency. * **Economic Development:** The improved highway infrastructure is expected to stimulate economic activity in the region by facilitating the movement of goods and people. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 1736 (E) signals a significant step towards the upgradation of National Highway No. 20 in ODISHA. By authorizing a competent authority and clearly defining the scope of land acquisition, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to overcome a critical hurdle in the project's implementation. The successful execution of this notification is crucial for the timely completion of the highway upgrade and its associated economic benefits.

Key Entities Referenced