Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Report on Notification Regarding National Highways Act, 1956 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, pertaining to the National Highways Act, 1956. This notification authorizes specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition related to Greenfield Highway projects in the state of Odisha. The key finding is the assignment of authority for specific stretches of Greenfield Highway to facilitate building, widening, maintenance, management and operation. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the notification, SO.321.E, issued on January 24, 2022, regarding the National Highways Act, 1956. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the text of the notification itself. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification pertains to the National Highways Act, 1956. The core objective, as inferred from the provided text, is to delegate authority for efficient land acquisition and project execution for Greenfield Highway development in the state of Odisha. This includes building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management and operation of the mentioned stretches. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy, the problem that the policy addresses is likely an absence or lack of clarity in the authorization of officers responsible for land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically for the Greenfield Highway project in Odisha. The notification aims to streamline the process by formally assigning these responsibilities. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy. Therefore, the main components are: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The notification authorizes officers (as listed in Column 2 of the Schedule) to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Geographic Scope:** This authorization applies specifically to stretches of land related to the Greenfield Highway in the State of Odisha: * Km. 94.052 to Km. 111.162 * Km. 70.662 to Km. 77.012 * Km. 77.012 to Km. 94.052 * **Purpose of Authorization:** The competent authorities are authorized to perform functions related to building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of the aforementioned stretches. * **Schedule Definition:** The Schedule outlines specific land acquisition details, including: * State (Odisha) * District (Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Athagad) * Tahasildar/Mandal names * Villages impacted * Kilometer markers defining the stretch of land. **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 stretches of the Greenfield Highway in Odisha. * **Residents:** Communities residing within or near the identified stretches. * **Construction Companies:** Companies involved in the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, and operation of the Greenfield Highway. * **Government Agencies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are implied stakeholders. * **Local Administration:** District and Taluk/Mandal level authorities in Cuttack, Dhenkanal and Athagad districts of Odisha. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Central Government (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) is the issuing authority. The competent authorities listed in the schedule are responsible for implementing the land acquisition process under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (January 24, 2022). The notification does not detail specific timelines or procedures for land acquisition; it only delegates authority. Standard land acquisition procedures under the National Highways Act, 1956 will likely be followed. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes and impact of this notification are: * **Streamlined Land Acquisition:** The clear assignment of competent authorities should expedite the land acquisition process for the Greenfield Highway project. * **Accelerated Project Execution:** Faster land acquisition is expected to lead to quicker commencement and completion of the highway construction, widening, and maintenance activities. * **Improved Infrastructure:** The development of the Greenfield Highway will improve connectivity and transportation infrastructure in the state of Odisha. * **Economic Development:** Enhanced infrastructure is anticipated to stimulate economic activity in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The notification SO.321.E represents a crucial step in facilitating the development of the Greenfield Highway in Odisha by delegating authority for land acquisition to designated officers. This action is expected to streamline the project's execution, contribute to improved infrastructure, and ultimately foster economic growth in the region. While this report is based solely on the provided notification text, further information regarding land acquisition procedures, compensation policies, and grievance redressal mechanisms will be critical for stakeholders affected by the project.

Key Entities Referenced