Publication of notification under Section 3a NHAI

## Policy Analysis Report: National Highways Act Amendment - S.O. 3622(E) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes Notification S.O. 3622(E), published on August 2, 2022, which amends the National Highways Act, 1956. The core purpose of this amendment is to authorize a specific officer to act as the competent authority for land acquisition related to the construction of a Half Flyover on National Highway No. 16 near Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh. The amendment addresses issues arising from restructuring Revenue Divisions in Krishna District. Key findings indicate a focus on streamlining land acquisition for infrastructure development by designating authority and addressing previous notification invalidations. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative analysis of Notification S.O. 3622(E), published on August 2, 2022, pertaining to the National Highways Act, 1956. The analysis is based solely on the text provided and aims to clarify the amendment's purpose, key provisions, and potential impact. **3. Policy Overview:** * This document is an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective(s):** To authorize a specific officer as the competent authority for land acquisition, widening, maintenance, management and operation of the National Highway No. 16 for construction of Half Flyover at Km. 1082.320 Design Chainage at Km. 0.740 at Vijayawada Airport near Gannavaram on Gundugolanu Vijayawada Section of NH16 in the State of Andhra Pradesh. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment addresses the need to designate a competent authority for land acquisition related to the Half Flyover project on NH-16. Further, the amendment addresses issues stemming from the restructuring of Revenue Divisions in the Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh which caused the invalidation of prior notifications S.O.1379 (dated 26th March, 2021) and S.O.4034 (dated 30th September, 2021). **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment *specifically* changes the prior state of affairs regarding the competent authority for land acquisition for the described project. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment directly overrides and invalidates S.O.1379 (dated 26th March, 2021) and S.O.4034 (dated 30th September, 2021). The original policy, in effect, is no longer valid due to changes in the Krishna District, necessitating a new authorization. * **New Rule/Provision:** The central government authorizes the "Joint Collector, Krishna, Machilipatnam" as the competent authority to perform functions under the National Highways Act, 1956. This authority applies specifically to the stretch of land between 1081.58 KM and 1082.995 KM on NH-16, Gannavaram Mandal, Kesarapalli Village in Andhra Pradesh, and described in column 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the attached schedule. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** Previously, the competent authority was likely designated under the now-invalidated notifications. This amendment provides a *new* designation for the specified area, facilitating the land acquisition process for the Half Flyover construction. This ensures that the project can proceed legally and efficiently with a designated authority responsible for relevant actions. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders include: * **National Highway Authority of India (NHAI):** The body responsible for implementing the highway project. * **Landowners in the specified stretch of NH-16:** Those whose land may be acquired for the construction. * **Residents of Gannavaram Mandal and Kesarapalli Village:** Who will experience the impact of the construction and land acquisition. * **The appointed Joint Collector, Krishna, Machilipatnam:** The newly designated competent authority and their office. **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) is likely involved in the project implementation. The Joint Collector, Krishna, Machilipatnam is directly responsible for the land acquisition process. * **Timelines/Procedures:** No specific timelines or procedures are outlined in this particular amendment. However, it can be inferred that the land acquisition process will now proceed under the authority of the designated Joint Collector. * **Focus on Amendment-Specific Implementation:** This amendment directly impacts the implementation of the Half Flyover project by re-establishing the competent authority and resolving legal challenges brought about by the restructuring of the Krishna District. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to: * **Facilitate the land acquisition process:** By providing a clear and valid authorization for the Joint Collector, Krishna, Machilipatnam. * **Expedite the construction of the Half Flyover on NH-16:** Removing legal impediments caused by the invalidated notifications. * **Contribute to improved infrastructure and connectivity:** Improving traffic flow near Vijayawada Airport. **9. Conclusion:** Notification S.O. 3622(E) is a crucial amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956. It addresses a specific issue caused by restructuring Revenue Divisions, which caused the need to re-designate the competent authority for land acquisition. By authorizing the Joint Collector, Krishna, Machilipatnam, this amendment is expected to remove roadblocks and allow for the timely implementation of the Half Flyover project on NH-16, ultimately contributing to improved infrastructure in the region. The amendment demonstrates the government's responsiveness to changes on the ground and its commitment to streamlining infrastructure development projects.

Key Entities Referenced