Publication of notification under Section 3a MORTH

## Policy Analysis Report: National Highway No. 326 Upgradation - Land Acquisition Authorization **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 a section of National Highway No. 326 in Odisha. The notification authorizes designated officers to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act of 1956 for acquiring land needed for upgrading the Dhaugaon to Taptapani section to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders. This report outlines the policy's objective, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and potential impact. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' notification concerning land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway No. 326 in Odisha. The analysis is solely based on the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a **new** policy implementation action regarding a specific project. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the primary objective is to **authorize the acquisition of land** necessary for the **upgradation of the Dhaugaon to Taptapani section of National Highway No. 326 to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders** in the state of Odisha. This is in accordance with the National Highways Act, 1956. **4. Background and Rationale:** As this is a new policy implementation concerning a specific project, the rationale likely involves the need to improve road infrastructure to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and promote economic development in the region. The need for land acquisition arises from the requirement to widen the existing highway and add paved shoulders. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * The notification authorizes officers mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule to act as **competent authorities** under the National Highways Act, 1956. * This authorization is effective from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette (May 2, 2022). * The authorization applies specifically to the **stretch of land** described in the Schedule, related to the villages mentioned in column 7 of the Schedule. * The land acquisition is for the purpose of **upgrading the 0KM Dhaugaon to 3KM section of the 520 Dhaugaon to Taptapani section of National Highway No. 326** to a **2-lane configuration with paved shoulders.** * The scheduled table identifies the location where Tahasildar, Dharakote is authorized land acquisition from 0KM to 3KM section of the 520 Dhaugaon to Taptapani section. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * **Landowners:** Individuals or entities owning land within the specified stretch of National Highway No. 326 in the Ganjam district of Odisha, specifically in Dharakote Taluk/Mandal and Pankalabadi and G. Dhaugaon villages, are directly affected by this notification. * **Construction companies:** Likely benefit through contracts awarded to conduct road construction. * **Local Residents:** Who use the road. * **Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:** Responsible for implementing the highway upgradation project. * **State Government of Odisha:** Involved in facilitating the land acquisition process. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the primary responsible agency. The designated officers (Tahasildar, Dharakote) are the competent authorities for land acquisition. * **Procedures:** The implementation will follow the procedures outlined in the National Highways Act, 1956, regarding land acquisition, including valuation, compensation, and dispute resolution. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of this notification and subsequent land acquisition process include: * Successful acquisition of land required for the upgradation of National Highway No. 326. * Improved road infrastructure with a 2-lane configuration and paved shoulders. * Enhanced connectivity and reduced travel time for commuters. * Stimulation of economic development in the region due to better transportation infrastructure. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' notification authorizes land acquisition for the upgradation of the Dhaugaon to Taptapani section of National Highway No. 326 in Odisha. This is a crucial step in improving road infrastructure in the region, which will likely result in enhanced connectivity, reduced travel time, and economic growth. The notification designates competent authorities to oversee the land acquisition process, ensuring compliance with the National Highways Act, 1956.

Key Entities Referenced