Publication of notification under Section 3a MoRTH

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway NH752G Upgradation in Maharashtra **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway NH752G in Maharashtra. The notification authorizes designated officers to perform functions related to land acquisition under the National Highways Act of 1956 for a specific stretch of the highway between km 354 and 362.663. This report outlines the policy's objectives, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and expected outcomes based solely on the information contained within the provided notification text. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide a detailed overview and analysis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification pertaining to land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway NH752G in Maharashtra. The analysis is based exclusively on the information provided in the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a *new policy* in that it authorizes specific actions related to a specific project (NH752G Upgradation). * **Core Objective(s):** The primary objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the upgradation of the specified stretch of National Highway NH752G to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders. This is achieved through the authorization of land acquisition processes. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a *new policy* focused on a specific project, the notification implies a need for infrastructure development and improvement along the NH752G corridor. The upgradation to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders suggests a desire to enhance traffic flow, improve road safety, and support regional connectivity. The notification addresses the need to acquire land to facilitate this infrastructural improvement. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy, therefore key provisions are: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The core provision is the authorization granted to officers identified in the schedule (column 2) to act as "competent authorities" under the National Highways Act, 1956. This authorization empowers them to execute land acquisition processes. * **Scope of Land Acquisition:** The authorization applies specifically to the stretch of land between km 354 and 362.663 of NH752G. * **Geographic Scope:** The land acquisition is limited to the State of Maharashtra, specifically within the districts, taluks, and villages listed in the schedule (columns 4-7). The relevant areas are Kopargaon and Rahata Taluks of Ahmednagar district. Villages affected are Kokamthan, Jeur, Kumbhari and Sawlivihir Budruk. * **Reference to National Highways Act, 1956:** The notification invokes clause (a) of section 3 of the National Highways Act, 1956, establishing the legal basis for the authorization. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the notification, the key stakeholders directly affected by this policy are: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified stretch of NH752G in the affected villages are directly impacted by the land acquisition process. * **Residents:** Communities residing in the listed villages might experience indirect impacts due to construction activities and potential displacement. * **Government Agencies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the designated competent authorities, and relevant state and local government bodies (Ahmednagar District administration, Kopargaon and Rahata Taluk administrations) are responsible for implementing the policy. * **Construction Companies:** Entities involved in the highway upgradation project will be stakeholders, as the land acquisition facilitates their work. * **Commuters and Transporters:** The policy ultimately aims to benefit commuters and transporters utilizing NH752G. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the overarching responsible agency. The notification designates specific officers as "competent authorities" responsible for executing the land acquisition. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification states the authorization is effective "from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette," which is July 7, 2022. Specific timelines and procedures for land acquisition are not detailed in this notification text but would likely be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956 and related regulations. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this policy is to facilitate the smooth acquisition of land required for the upgradation of NH752G. This will contribute to: * **Improved Infrastructure:** Upgrading the highway to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. * **Enhanced Road Safety:** Paved shoulders and improved road conditions will likely enhance road safety for all users. * **Economic Development:** Improved connectivity can stimulate economic activity in the region. * **Project Completion:** The land acquisition is a crucial step towards the timely completion of the NH752G upgradation project. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification authorizes land acquisition for the upgradation of NH752G in Maharashtra. This authorization is a critical step in improving transportation infrastructure, enhancing road safety, and stimulating economic development in the region. The notification empowers designated officers to execute land acquisition processes within a specified geographical area, paving the way for the highway upgradation project to proceed.

Key Entities Referenced