Publication of notification under Section 3a MORTH

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding National Highway No. 57 Upgradation in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 4664(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, published on October 3, 2022. The notification pertains to land acquisition and the authorization of a competent authority for the upgradation of a section of National Highway No. 57 (NH-57) in the state of Odisha. The core purpose of the notification is to facilitate the improvement of the identified stretch of highway by authorizing an officer to oversee the necessary land acquisition processes. The key finding is the designation of an officer to execute the land acquisition needed for the NH-57 upgrade. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of the notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding the upgradation of a section of National Highway No. 57 in Odisha, based solely on the information provided within the document itself. **3. Policy Overview:** * This appears to be a *New Policy* implementation notification related to an existing Act. * **Core Objective(s):** The primary objective is to authorize a "competent authority" to perform functions under the National Highways Act of 1956 to facilitate the upgradation of a specified section of NH-57. This suggests a broader highway improvement initiative. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **(New Policy Inference):** The notification suggests a need to improve the infrastructure of NH-57. The specific section identified requires upgrading to "2 laning with paved shoulders," implying existing limitations in capacity or safety of the current highway configuration. The underlying problem is likely insufficient road capacity or substandard road conditions for the traffic volume and safety standards. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **(New Policy Focus):** * **Authorization of Competent Authority:** The core provision is the formal authorization of an officer (specified in column 2 of the Schedule) to act as the "competent authority" under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Scope of Authority:** This authority extends to all functions under the Act concerning the specified stretch of land. * **Geographic Scope:** The notification explicitly defines the stretch of NH-57 subject to this action: from kilometer 195.250 to 201.300. * **Project Scope:** The work to be completed is "upgradation to 2 laning with paved shoulders". * **Location Specification:** The specific location is the "Dasapalla Town Bypass" within the Nayagarh district of Odisha. * **Land Acquisition Enabled:** The notification implicitly enables land acquisition for this upgradation project within the specified areas and villages. The schedule details the villages affected. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the target audience and stakeholders directly affected include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land along the specified stretch of NH-57 within the identified villages (Bandhugaon, Sariganda, Bhogara, Chakradharapur, Jagapur, Haridabari, Krushnachandrapur, Patana, Narasinghapur, Mahulia, Kunjabanagad). These landowners are directly affected by the land acquisition process. * **Residents:** The residents of the villages listed will be affected by the highway construction. * **Local Government:** The Nayagarh district administration and the Dasapalla Taluk/Mandal administration are key stakeholders in the implementation of this notification. * **Highway Users:** Commuters and transport companies utilizing NH-57 will benefit from the improved highway infrastructure once the upgradation is complete. * **Construction Companies:** Companies involved in road construction and infrastructure projects. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the overall responsible agency. The Deputy Collector of the Nayagarh Collectorate is designated as the "competent authority" for land acquisition. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification comes into effect on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (October 3, 2022). The text does not specify exact timelines for land acquisition or construction, but the notification initiates the process by empowering the competent authority. Land acquisition procedures will be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **(New Policy Focus):** * **Improved Highway Infrastructure:** The primary intended outcome is the upgradation of the specified section of NH-57 to a two-lane highway with paved shoulders. * **Enhanced Connectivity:** This will likely lead to improved connectivity and smoother traffic flow along NH-57. * **Reduced Congestion:** The increased capacity should alleviate traffic congestion, particularly around the Dasapalla Town Bypass. * **Increased Safety:** Paved shoulders contribute to improved road safety. * **Economic Benefits:** Improved transportation infrastructure can stimulate economic activity in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The notification (S.O. 4664(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways authorizes land acquisition and designates a competent authority for the upgradation of a section of National Highway No. 57 in Odisha. This notification represents a key step in improving highway infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and promoting economic development in the region. Its significance lies in enabling the necessary land acquisition processes for the planned highway improvements.

Key Entities Referenced