Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Report on Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for Prayagraj-Jaunpur-Azamgarh-Dohrighat Section of National Highway 233 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning land acquisition for the Prayagraj-Jaunpur-Azamgarh-Dohrighat section of National Highway 233 in Uttar Pradesh. The core purpose of this notification is to authorize specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition related to the highway project. The key finding is the delineation of authority for land acquisition for a specific bypass construction connecting NH28 to the Purvanchal Expressway in Azamgarh. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative overview of a notification (S.O. 2581(E)) published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, on June 13, 2025. The analysis focuses solely on the information contained within the provided text of the notification regarding land acquisition for the specified highway section. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification appears to be *new* policy related to land acquisition authority for a specific project, rather than an amendment. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to authorize officers to facilitate land acquisition for building, widening (four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the Prayagraj-Jaunpur-Azamgarh-Dohrighat section of National Highway 233. A specific objective highlighted in the text is the construction of a 4-lane South-East Bypass for Azamgarh City. **4. Background and Rationale:** As this is a new policy regarding authorization for land acquisition, the likely problem the policy addresses is the *lack of designated authorities* to oversee and execute land acquisition processes necessary for the specified highway project. Efficient land acquisition is essential for the timely completion of infrastructure projects like highway construction and upgrades. Without designated authorities, progress would be significantly delayed. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** Since this is a notification establishing the authority of specific officers, the key provision is the *delegation of power* to competent authorities to perform functions related to land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956. The notification specifies: * The officers mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule are authorized as competent authorities. * This authorization is effective from the date of publication of the notification. * The authorization applies to the stretch of land specified in column 3 of the Schedule, which corresponds to specific districts, tehsils/mandals, and villages listed in columns 4, 5, 6, and 7. * Specifically, the focus of land acquisition is for construction of a 4-lane South-East Bypass for Azamgarh City connecting NH28 at existing Ch. Km 218.800 to Purvanchal Expressway at existing Ch. Km 247.850, with a total length of 15.70 Km. * The schedule lists the State (Uttar Pradesh), District (Azamgarh), Taluk/Mandal (Azamgarh), and specific villages (Khalilabad, Nibi Khurd, Sardarpur Rajpoot Chak, Muhabbatpur, Mahaliya, Bamhaur) affected by the acquisition for the bypass. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * **Landowners and residents** in the specified villages (Khalilabad, Nibi Khurd, Sardarpur Rajpoot Chak, Muhabbatpur, Mahaliya, Bamhaur) within the Azamgarh district who may be subject to land acquisition. * **The appointed "competent authorities"** (likely State Land Acquisition Officers – SLAO) who are now responsible for executing the land acquisition process. * **Construction companies** involved in the Prayagraj-Jaunpur-Azamgarh-Dohrighat highway project, particularly the construction of the Azamgarh bypass. * **The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)**, as the overall implementing agency. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the issuing authority. The schedule suggests that State Land Acquisition Officers (SLAO) will be the primary implementing bodies. NHAI is likely overseeing the entire project. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of publication (June 13, 2025). No other specific timelines or procedures are detailed in this text, but the land acquisition will likely follow the established procedures under the National Highways Act, 1956, and related regulations. The mention of "EPC Mode" suggests an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contract model for the bypass. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification include: * **Expedited land acquisition:** By formally designating competent authorities, the notification aims to streamline the land acquisition process, reducing delays and enabling the timely commencement and completion of the highway project, especially the Azamgarh bypass. * **Improved connectivity:** The construction of the 4-lane bypass will likely improve connectivity between NH28 and the Purvanchal Expressway, reducing congestion within Azamgarh city and improving traffic flow. * **Economic development:** Improved infrastructure can lead to increased economic activity in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed is a crucial step in facilitating the land acquisition process for the Prayagraj-Jaunpur-Azamgarh-Dohrighat section of National Highway 233, particularly for the construction of the Azamgarh bypass. By authorizing specific officers to act as competent authorities, the government aims to expedite the project's implementation, leading to improved connectivity, reduced congestion, and potential economic benefits for the region. Further details regarding the specifics of compensation, resettlement, and rehabilitation would require review of separate documentation.

Key Entities Referenced