Central Government Declares Land Acquisition for Haridwar Ring Road Project in Uttarakhand

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a statutory notification on September 26, 2025, under the National Highways Act, 1956, to formalize the acquisition of land for the development of the Haridwar Ring Road. This notification, identified as S.O. 4400(E), pertains to a significant infrastructure project covering a stretch from kilometer 0 to kilometer 48.88 within the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand. The declaration followed a preliminary notification issued on January 23, 2025, which initially outlined the Central Government’s intention to acquire specific land parcels for the building, widening, maintenance, and operation of the highway. The process moved to this final stage after the substance of the initial intent was published in prominent newspapers in February 2025, allowing for public notice and the filing of objections by affected persons.

The competent authority received and considered objections filed under Section 3C of the Act, ensuring that the concerns of landowners and interested parties were settled appropriately before the submission of a final report to the Central Government. With the publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, the legal status of the identified land undergoes a definitive change. The legislation provided: “the Central Government hereby declares that on publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, the land specified in the said Schedule shall vest absolutely in the Central Government, free from all encumbrances.” This vesting ensures that the government acquires full legal title to the property, effectively removing any prior claims, liens, or encumbrances (legal liabilities or interests held by third parties) that might otherwise hinder the progress of the national highway project.

The legislative intent behind this notification is rooted in the policy rationale of enhancing regional connectivity and upgrading the national highway infrastructure to meet increasing traffic demands. By utilizing the powers conferred under Section 3D of the National Highways Act, 1956, the government addresses the statutory necessity of securing land for public utility. The earlier legal position involved a preliminary intent to acquire, which has now been converted into an absolute acquisition following due process. This transition is essential for the National Highways Authority of India to proceed with the four laning and management of the Haridwar Ring Road.

The scope of the acquisition encompasses approximately 0.5003 hectares of land across several villages, including Bhagtanpur Abidpur Urf Ibrahimpur, Atmalpur Baungla, Sarai, Devpur Mustkam, and Ruhalki Kishanpur. The affected land includes various private agricultural plots and holdings belonging to educational and religious societies. By consolidating these parcels under federal ownership, the notification resolves potential statutory gaps or limitations that could arise from fragmented land ownership. The enforcement of this acquisition is immediate upon its publication in the Official Gazette, providing a clear statutory timeline for the commencement of the next phases of construction and operational management.

Keywords: National Highways Act 1956, Land Acquisition, Haridwar Ring Road, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Uttarakhand Infrastructure, Section 3D Notification, Haridwar Land Vesting

Geo Tags: India, Uttarakhand
District: Haridwar