Central Government Notifies Intent to Acquire Land for NH53 Widening in Jajpur, Odisha

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued Notification S.O. 3727(E) on August 13, 2025, declaring its intention to acquire land for the public purpose of developing National Highway 53 (NH53) in Odisha. This delegated legislation, published in the Official Gazette, came into force upon its publication. The notification specifies that the land, located within the Jajpur district of Odisha, is required for the building, maintenance, management, and operation of NH53, particularly for widening, two-laning with paved shoulders, or four-laning, along a stretch from Km. 0 to Km. 21.4 (Jajpur). The identified parcels of land, including private Gharabari, Sarad Jal-1, Sarad-1, Jalasaya-1, and Rasta categories across villages such as Kantigadia, Bandareswor, Matkatpur, and Baujang, are detailed in a schedule appended to the notification, totaling approximately 0.1173615 hectares.

The notification outlines a clear process for affected individuals to raise objections. Any person with an interest in the specified land is granted a period of twenty-one days from the date of the notification's publication to object to its proposed use. These objections must be submitted in writing to the designated Competent Authority, identified as the Special LAO Civil Jajpur, and must clearly state the grounds for objection. The Competent Authority is mandated to provide the objector an opportunity to be heard, either personally or through a legal practitioner. Following the hearing of all objections and any necessary further inquiry, the Competent Authority will issue an order either allowing or disallowing the objections, which, under sub-section (2) of section 3C of the National Highways Act, 1956, shall be final. Furthermore, land plans and other pertinent details regarding the land slated for acquisition are made available for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority.

This notification is issued in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3A of the National Highways Act, 1956, reflecting the legislative intent to facilitate crucial infrastructure development across the nation. The policy rationale behind such acquisitions is rooted in the public purpose of enhancing national connectivity and improving road safety and efficiency through the expansion and modernization of national highways. The earlier statutory framework, specifically the National Highways Act, 1956, provides the legal basis for the Central Government to acquire land for these purposes, ensuring a structured and legally compliant process. The legislation provided: "...the Central Government, after being satisfied that for the public purpose, the land... is required for building (widening/two lane with paved shoulder/four laning etc..), maintenance, management and operation of NH53... hereby declares its intention to acquire such land." This provision underscores the government's commitment to infrastructure projects while also establishing a mechanism for public engagement. The notification introduces an obligation on the part of the government to follow due process for land acquisition and concurrently grants affected persons the right to formally object to the proposed acquisition, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability in the process. The 21-day timeline for objections and the role of the Competent Authority serve as key enforcement mechanisms within this framework, ensuring that all concerns are duly considered before final decisions are made regarding land use for highway projects.

Keywords: National Highways Act, 1956, land acquisition, NH53, Jajpur, Odisha, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, infrastructure, public purpose, notification, road widening

Geo Tags: India, Odisha
District: Jajpur