Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway 26 Upgradation in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding land acquisition for the upgradation of a section of National Highway 26 (NH26) in the state of Odisha. The notification authorizes specific officers to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act of 1956, facilitating the acquisition of land for the project. The core purpose is to enable the expansion of a portion of NH26 from Bargarh to Bolangir to a 24-lane highway with paved shoulders. Key findings include the identification of the specific stretch of land affected, the designation of responsible authorities, and the legal basis for the action. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways concerning land acquisition for the upgradation of a portion of National Highway 26 in Odisha. The analysis is based solely on the content of the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a *new policy* related to a specific project; it is not amending an existing, broader policy. * **Core Objective(s):** The primary objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the acquisition of land required for the upgradation and widening of the Bargarh to Bolangir section of National Highway 26 in Odisha, specifically to create a 24-lane highway with paved shoulders. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is a new policy related to a specific project. The text implies a need to improve the existing infrastructure. The policy text implicitly addresses the problem of insufficient road capacity by initiating the process of land acquisition necessary for expanding the NH26 between Bargarh and Bolangir. The underlying issue being addressed appears to be a need for better transportation infrastructure in the region, necessitating road widening and upgrades. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * This is a new policy initiative that will impact land acquisition. * The notification authorizes officers mentioned in column 2 of the schedule to perform the functions of competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956, for land acquisition. * The specific stretch of land affected is identified by kilometer markers (Km. 00 to 720) on the Bargarh to Bolangir section of NH26 in Odisha. * The schedule identifies the specific state, district (Subarnapur), Taluk/Mandal (Rampur), and village (Khuntapali, Chinajuri, Gambharipali) affected by the land acquisition (specifically referencing 34.4KM to 35.5KM). * The intended result is to upgrade the highway to 24 lanes with paved shoulders. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the following are directly affected: * Landowners and residents within the specified stretch of land along NH26 between Bargarh and Bolangir in the Subarnapur district, Rampur, Khuntapali, Chinajuri, and Gambharipali * The officers designated as "competent authorities" responsible for overseeing the land acquisition process. * Construction companies and contractors involved in the highway upgradation project. * Potentially impacted businesses and communities relying on the highway's functionality. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the primary responsible agency. Specific officers, such as the Additional Tahasildar of Khuntapali, are designated as competent authorities. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification takes effect upon publication in the Official Gazette (April 5, 2022). The text does not provide detailed timelines but establishes the legal basis for the subsequent land acquisition procedures under the National Highways Act, 1956. It identifies the need for CALA (Competent Authority for Land Acquisition). **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes based on the notification's provisions are: * Facilitation of land acquisition for the expansion of NH26. * Upgradation of the highway to a 24-lane road with paved shoulders, potentially improving traffic flow and safety. * Economic benefits associated with improved transportation infrastructure. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification authorizes land acquisition for the upgradation of the Bargarh to Bolangir section of National Highway 26 in Odisha. The notification designates specific officers as competent authorities, identifies the affected land, and establishes the legal framework for the project. This policy is significant as it marks a key step in a major infrastructure improvement project and will likely have a significant impact on the region's transportation network and economic development.

Key Entities Referenced