Publication of notification under Section 3A NHAI

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway (NH No. NE5) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding land acquisition for the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway (NH No. NE5). The notification, published on September 23, 2022, initiates the process of acquiring land in the Jammu district of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir for the construction, maintenance, management, and operation of the expressway along the existing NH144A from km 38.00 to km 73.00. The key finding is that affected landowners have the right to object to the land acquisition within twenty-one days of the notification's publication. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the notification S.O. 4482(E) published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on September 23, 2022, concerning land acquisition for the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway (NH No. NE5) based on the content of the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy implementation notification under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to acquire land for the building, widening (two-lane with paved shoulder, four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway (NH No. NE5) along the existing NH144A. **4. Background and Rationale:** The notification addresses the need to acquire land to facilitate the construction, maintenance, management, and operation of the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. The text indicates that the project is considered to be for public purpose. The notification suggests the existing infrastructure (NH144A) is insufficient, necessitating the building or widening works for the Expressway. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a notification of a new policy implementation. The key components are: * **Land Acquisition:** The Central Government is exercising powers under Section 3A(1) of the National Highways Act, 1956 to acquire land. * **Project Scope:** The land is required for the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway (NH No. NE5) from km 38.00 to km 73.00 along the existing NH144A. * **Affected Area:** The land to be acquired is located in the Jammu district of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Specific plots are identified in the schedule (Rakh Raipur Belicharana and Satwari). * **Right to Object:** Individuals interested in the land have twenty-one days from the date of publication to object to the land acquisition. * **Objection Procedure:** Objections must be submitted in writing to the Deputy Commissioner Jammu, outlining the grounds for the objection. * **Hearing and Decision:** The Competent Authority (Deputy Commissioner Jammu) will provide an opportunity for the objector to be heard (in person or via legal practitioner) and will then either allow or disallow the objections. The decision of the Competent Authority is final. * **Land Plan Availability:** The land plans and other relevant details are available for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority. * **Land description:** The notification includes a schedule that provides a brief description of the land to be acquired, including survey/plot numbers, type and nature of land, area in local units and hectares. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * Landowners in the Jammu district, specifically in Rakh Raipur Belicharana and Satwari, whose land falls within the identified sections along NH144A. * Residents of the Jammu district potentially impacted by the construction and operation of the expressway. * The Competent Authority (Deputy Commissioner Jammu) responsible for handling objections and making decisions regarding land acquisition. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the issuing authority. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), specifically the PIU Jammu, is likely involved in the execution. The Deputy Commissioner Jammu serves as the Competent Authority. * **Timelines:** Affected parties have 21 days from the date of publication (September 23, 2022) to submit objections. * **Procedures:** The notification outlines the procedure for filing objections, the hearing process, and the final decision-making authority. It highlights availability of land plans and details for inspection. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of this land acquisition notification are: * Facilitate the construction, maintenance, management and operation of the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. * Enable improved transportation infrastructure in the region. * Potentially lead to economic development and improved connectivity. * Resolution of land acquisition process within defined timelines. **9. Conclusion:** The notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways initiates the land acquisition process for the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway project in Jammu. It establishes clear procedures for landowners to object to the acquisition and outlines the responsibilities of the Competent Authority. This notification marks a crucial step in the implementation of the expressway project, with significant implications for the affected landowners and the broader transportation network in the region.

Key Entities Referenced