Publication of notification under Section 3a NHAI

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for Pune Bengaluru Expressway **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 5037E) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning land acquisition for the Pune Bengaluru Expressway greenfield alignment under Bharatmala Phase-II in the state of Maharashtra. The core purpose of this notification is to authorize specific officers as Competent Authorities to perform functions under the National Highway Act, 1956 for the land acquisition process. The key finding is the specific identification of land parcels and responsible officers for this project within Maharashtra. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of notification S.O. 5037E, published in the Gazette of India on October 27, 2022. The report aims to inform stakeholders about the authorization of Competent Authorities for land acquisition related to the Pune Bengaluru Expressway project in Maharashtra, based solely on the information presented in the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy action related to an existing act. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to delegate authority to specific officers to execute land acquisition under the National Highway Act, 1956, for the Pune Bengaluru Expressway project (Bharatmala Phase-II) in Maharashtra. **4. Background and Rationale:** This policy addresses the need to initiate and expedite land acquisition for the construction of the Pune Bengaluru Expressway. The text suggests that authorization of officers is a necessary step to facilitate the land acquisition process, which is a crucial prerequisite for the highway project's advancement. The project will occur in Maharashtra. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a New Policy to facilitate an ongoing act * The notification authorizes officers listed in the schedule to act as "Competent Authorities" under the National Highway Act, 1956. * This authorization applies to a specific stretch of land in Maharashtra related to the Pune Bengaluru Expressway greenfield alignment. * The schedule specifies the State (Maharashtra), Districts (Satara), Talukas/Mandals (Khandala, Phaltan) and Villages affected by the land acquisition. * The notification is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (October 27, 2022). * The affected area is approxiamtely 22.3KM **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * Landowners in the specified villages of Satara district in Maharashtra (Shirwal, Dhangarwadi, Pisalwadi, Bholi, Mane Colony, Shekhmirwadi, Bhadavade, Shivajinagar, Bavada Sub Divisional, Mhavashi, Khed BK, Sukhed, Ahire, Dhawadwadi, Ghatdare, Nimbodi, Koparde, Salpe, Sherechiwadi, Hingangaon, Adarki BK, Koparde) * The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), specifically the PIU (Project Implementation Unit) PuneBangalore. * The designated Competent Authorities (e.g., Khandala Sub Divisional Officer) who are now responsible for land acquisition activities. * Construction companies involved in the Pune Bengaluru Expressway project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the issuing authority. The NHAI (PIU PuneBangalore) is likely responsible for the overall project implementation. The Competent Authorities are responsible for the land acquisition process at the local level. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification is effective immediately upon publication (October 27, 2022). The National Highway Act, 1956, provides the framework for land acquisition procedures. * The notification refers to the "Bharatmala Phase-II" project, which presumably dictates the broader strategic context and timeline. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this notification is to facilitate the smooth and timely acquisition of land required for the Pune Bengaluru Expressway project. By authorizing specific officers, the government aims to streamline the land acquisition process, reduce delays, and enable the construction of the expressway according to the project timeline. Successful land acquisition will pave the way for improved connectivity, economic development, and reduced travel time between Pune and Bengaluru. **9. Conclusion:** Notification S.O. 5037E authorizes Competent Authorities to undertake land acquisition for the Pune Bengaluru Expressway project under the National Highway Act, 1956, in specific areas of Maharashtra. This is a crucial step in enabling the construction of this important infrastructure project. The effectiveness of this policy hinges on the efficient and equitable execution of the land acquisition process by the designated authorities, in accordance with the relevant regulations and guidelines.

Key Entities Referenced