Publication of notification under Section 3a MORTH

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for National Highway No. 220 Upgradation in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning land acquisition for the upgradation of a section of National Highway No. 220 in the state of Odisha. The notification authorizes a competent authority to perform functions related to land acquisition for the project, specifically for upgrading a 7km stretch (Km. 31.500 to 38.500) of the Rairangpur Bypass to a 2-lane road with paved shoulders. The key finding is the establishment of a clear legal framework for the necessary land acquisition to facilitate the highway improvement project. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification regarding land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway No. 220 in Odisha, based solely on the information provided within the document. The purpose is to inform stakeholders about the policy's scope, key provisions, and potential impact on the affected area. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is considered a **New Policy** announcement regarding land acquisition *within the scope of* the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the upgradation of a specific segment of National Highway No. 220 by authorizing land acquisition for this purpose. This suggests a broader objective of improving road infrastructure and connectivity in the region. **4. Background and Rationale:** Since this is a new *specific* policy announcement, the document suggests that the current state of the specified segment of National Highway No. 220 (between Km. 31.500 to 38.500, the Rairangpur Bypass) is inadequate and requires improvement. The decision to upgrade the road to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders implies a need to enhance traffic flow, road safety, and overall transportation efficiency along this route. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * The core provision of this notification is the **authorization of a competent authority** (identified in column 2 of the Schedule, implied to be a Tahasildar from Rairangpur) to perform functions related to land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956. * The notification **specifies the precise stretch of land** affected by the acquisition process: Km. 31.500 to 38.500 of the Rairangpur Bypass on National Highway No. 220 in Odisha. * The schedule delineates the affected **villages and administrative divisions** (District: Mayurbhanj, Taluk/Mandal: Rairangpur) which are within the scope of the land acquisition. The villages listed are: Patepani, Purunapani, Ranipal, Sijukala, Chitaibadi, Champrei, Halda, Nadiapasi, Bhanjasara, Sanbaikala, Nuagaon, Gopalbandha, Bhalubasa, and Nagbhan. * The intended outcome of the land acquisition is explicitly stated as the **upgradation to 2-laning with paved shoulders.** **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the following stakeholders are directly affected: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified stretch of National Highway No. 220 between Km. 31.500 and 38.500. * **Residents of Affected Villages:** People residing in the villages listed in the schedule, who may experience displacement or disruption due to land acquisition. * **Construction Companies:** Firms likely to be involved in the road upgradation project. * **The Competent Authority (Tahasildar, Rairangpur):** The individual responsible for overseeing the land acquisition process. * **The State Government of Odisha:** The state government is responsible for facilitating the land acquisition process and coordinating with the Central Government. * **Commuters and Transport Companies:** Those who utilize NH220 and will benefit from an upgraded highway. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the primary responsible body. The notification also designates a "competent authority" (Tahasildar, Rairangpur), responsible for implementing the land acquisition process. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (October 3, 2022). The specifics of the land acquisition procedures will be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956, which is referenced in the notification. No specific timelines are provided in the text itself. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification are: * **Facilitation of Land Acquisition:** Streamlining the process of acquiring land necessary for the highway upgradation project. * **Highway Upgradation:** Improving the road infrastructure on National Highway No. 220, specifically the Rairangpur Bypass. * **Improved Connectivity:** Enhancing connectivity and transportation efficiency in the region. * **Economic Growth:** Potentially stimulating economic activity in the surrounding areas due to improved transportation infrastructure. **9. Conclusion:** The notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways marks a crucial step in the upgradation of National Highway No. 220 in Odisha. By authorizing a competent authority to oversee land acquisition, the policy aims to pave the way for infrastructure development and improved connectivity in the region. This notification has significant implications for landowners, residents, and other stakeholders in the affected area, setting the legal framework for the implementation of the highway upgradation project.

Key Entities Referenced