Publication of notification under Section 3a MORTH

## Report on Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Notification S.O. 4663(E) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 4663(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning land acquisition for the construction of a new major bridge on National Highway No. 26 in Odisha. The core purpose is to authorize specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition related to this project. The key finding is the delegation of authority to expedite the land acquisition process for the bridge construction. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of Notification S.O. 4663(E) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, focusing on its implications for land acquisition related to a bridge construction project in Odisha. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a *new* policy notification related to a specific infrastructure project. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective is to authorize designated officers to act as "competent authorities" under the National Highways Act, 1956, to facilitate land acquisition for the construction of a new major bridge on National Highway 26. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy Rationale (Inferred):** The notification likely addresses the need to expedite land acquisition, which is a common bottleneck in infrastructure projects. By designating specific authorities, the government aims to streamline the process and avoid delays in the construction of the Sagada bridge. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** * The notification authorizes officers (specified in column 2 of the Schedule) to perform the functions of "competent authorities" under the National Highways Act, 1956. * This authorization applies to a specific stretch of land (specified in column 3 of the Schedule) required for the construction of the new major bridge (Sagada) at km. 191.117 to 193.300 on National Highway No. 26 in Odisha. * The land falls within the Kalahandi district, Junagarh Taluk/Mandal, and the villages of Ghantabahali, Gunjugura, Gobara, and Rangiguda (as per columns 4-7 of the Schedule). * The effective date of the authorization is the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette (October 3, 2022). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * Residents and landowners in the villages of Ghantabahali, Gunjugura, Gobara, and Rangiguda in the Kalahandi district of Odisha. * The designated officers (specified in the Schedule) who are now authorized as "competent authorities". * Construction companies or entities involved in the Sagada bridge project. * Relevant departments within the Odisha state government. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing authority), designated officers acting as competent authorities, and the Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of publication (October 3, 2022). The procedures for land acquisition will be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956, but the notification aims to expedite the process through the designation of competent authorities. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **Likely Intended Outcomes:** The expected outcome is a faster and more efficient land acquisition process for the construction of the Sagada bridge. This should contribute to the timely completion of the project, improved connectivity, and potential economic benefits for the region. **9. Conclusion:** Notification S.O. 4663(E) is a crucial step in facilitating the construction of the new major bridge on National Highway No. 26 in Odisha. By delegating authority to specific officers, the notification aims to streamline land acquisition and ensure the timely completion of this important infrastructure project. The notification's effectiveness will depend on the designated officers' efficient execution of their responsibilities under the National Highways Act, 1956.

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