Central Government Designates Competent Authorities for Bihar Greenfield Expressway Project

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued Notification S.O. 3819(E) on August 20, 2025, formally designating competent authorities for specific stretches of the Greenfield Expressway in Bihar. This delegated legislation, published in the Official Gazette, came into force on the date of its publication. The notification was issued in exercise of powers conferred by clause (a) of section 3 of the National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956). It authorized officers, primarily identified as District Land Acquisition Officers (DLAOs) for various districts, to perform functions under the said Act. These functions pertain to the building, including widening and four-laning, as well as the maintenance, management, and operation of the expressway. The designated authorities are responsible for stretches of land covering approximately 207 kilometers, specifically from Km. 38 to Km. 244.931 of the Greenfield Expressway, impacting several districts including Samastipur, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Madhepura, and Purnea. The schedule annexed to the notification meticulously listed the specific DLAOs and the corresponding stretches of the Greenfield Expressway, along with the districts, taluks/mandals, and villages under their purview for land acquisition and project execution.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to ensure the smooth and legally compliant execution of the Greenfield Expressway project in Bihar. By formally designating specific officers as competent authorities, the Central Government aims to streamline the processes involved in infrastructure development, particularly land acquisition, which is a critical component for such large-scale projects. The earlier legal position under the National Highways Act, 1956, mandates the appointment of such authorities to carry out various functions related to national highways. This notification addresses potential statutory gaps or issues by clearly identifying the individuals empowered to act, thereby preventing delays or legal ambiguities that could arise from a lack of defined authority. The legislation provided: “In exercise of powers conferred by clause (a) of section 3 of the National Highways Act, 1956(48 of 1956), the Central Government hereby authorizes the officers mentioned in column (2) of the Schedule annexed here to as the competent authorities to perform the functions of such authorities under the said Act with effect from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, in respect of the stretch of land from Km. 38 to Km. 100.6 of the Greenfield Expressway, Km. 100.6 to Km. 120.3 of the Greenfield Expressway, Km. 120.3 to Km. 168.3 of the Greenfield Expressway, Km. 168.3 to Km. 185.7 of the Greenfield Expressway, Km. 185.7 to Km. 244.931 of the Greenfield Expressway for building (widening / four-laning, etc.), maintenance, management and operation in the State of BIHAR.” This formal authorization is crucial for the efficient progress of the expressway, which is expected to enhance connectivity and economic activity in the region. The notification does not introduce new rights or obligations beyond those already established by the parent Act but rather operationalizes its provisions by assigning specific responsibilities to designated officials. The enforcement mechanism is inherent in the legal authority vested in these officers, enabling them to carry out their duties under the National Highways Act, 1956, for the benefit of the public infrastructure project.

Keywords: National Highways Act, 1956, Greenfield Expressway, Bihar, competent authorities, land acquisition, road transport, infrastructure, notification, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Geo Tags: India, Bihar
District: Samastipur, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Madhepura, Purnea