Publication of notification under Section 3a NHAI

## Report on Notification Regarding Land Acquisition on National Highway No. NH16 in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 3582(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on August 1, 2022. The notification authorizes designated officers to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act of 1956 for land acquisition related to the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of a section of National Highway 16 (NH16) in Odisha, specifically from Km 355 to Km 414. This report identifies the key provisions of this notification, including the affected geographical area and the designation of competent authorities. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of Notification S.O. 3582(E), issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, concerning land acquisition for NH16 in the state of Odisha. The analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a new policy action under the existing National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective:** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to facilitate the building, widening (including four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of a specific segment of NH16 (Km 355 to Km 414) in the State of Odisha by authorizing competent authorities for land acquisition. **4. Background and Rationale:** * As this is a new policy action, the notification likely addresses the need to improve the NH16 highway infrastructure, potentially to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, improve safety, and support economic development in the region. The specific segment, Km 355 to Km 414, may be facing capacity constraints, require upgrades due to deterioration, or be part of a larger infrastructure development plan. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * This notification authorizes officers (specified in a schedule not provided in the text) to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * The authorization applies to a specific stretch of land from Km. 355 to Km. 414 of NH16 in Odisha. * The scope of the authorization includes land acquisition for building, widening (including four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the specified section of the highway. * The notification specifies the affected area includes land within the Nayagarh district, specifically in the Ranpur Taluk/Mandal, including the villages of Srikrushnapur, Upendrapur, Benta, Kataksahar and Champagada. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the notification text, the following are directly affected: * **Landowners and Residents:** Individuals and communities owning land or residing within the specified stretch of NH16 (Km 355 to Km 414) in the Nayagarh district of Odisha, particularly in the Ranpur Taluk/Mandal and villages of Srikrushnapur, Upendrapur, Benta, Kataksahar and Champagada. * **Contractors and Construction Companies:** Businesses involved in road construction, widening, and maintenance projects. * **Transportation and Logistics Companies:** Businesses that rely on NH16 for the movement of goods and services. * **State Government of Odisha:** Involved in the overall implementation and coordination of the project. * **Designated Officers:** The officers authorized as competent authorities. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the issuing authority. The designated "competent authorities" (officers mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule, which is not included in this text) are responsible for implementing the land acquisition process. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (August 1, 2022). The specific procedures for land acquisition are governed by the National Highways Act, 1956, but are not detailed in this notification. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification include: * **Facilitation of Infrastructure Development:** Expediting land acquisition will allow for the timely commencement and completion of the NH16 improvement project. * **Improved Connectivity and Transportation:** Widening and upgrading the highway will likely improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance the efficiency of transportation of goods and services. * **Economic Development:** Better infrastructure can contribute to economic growth in the region by facilitating trade and investment. **9. Conclusion:** Notification S.O. 3582(E) authorizes competent authorities to proceed with land acquisition for the NH16 improvement project in Odisha. This action is essential for facilitating infrastructure development, improving connectivity, and supporting economic growth in the region. The notification's impact will be primarily felt by landowners, residents, construction companies, transportation businesses, and the State Government of Odisha. Further details regarding the specific officers authorized and the detailed procedures for land acquisition would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the implementation process.

Key Entities Referenced