Central Government Notifies Land Acquisition for National Highway 166-G in Kolhapur

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a Notification, S.O. 3810(E), on August 20, 2025, formally declaring the acquisition of specific land parcels for the construction, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway 166-G. This notification follows an earlier declaration of intent, S.O. 3696(E) dated August 29, 2024, which outlined the Central Government's plan to acquire land for a stretch of NH 166-G from Km. 35/300 to Km. 66/000 (Gaganbavada-Salvan to Kale) within the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. The process involved the publication of the substance of the initial notification in local newspapers, including Dainik Mahasatta, Dainik Jagruk Lokneta, and Times of India, as mandated by sub-section (3) of section 3A of the National Highways Act, 1956. Subsequently, objections filed under section 3-C of the Act were duly considered and settled. A report from the competent authority was then submitted to the Central Government, as required by sub-section (1) of section 3D of the said Act. Upon the publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, the specified land, totaling 0.8415 hectares across villages such as Palsambe, Mutakeshwar, and Khadule in GaganBavda Taluk, Kolhapur, vests absolutely in the Central Government, free from all encumbrances. This action was taken under the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3D of the National Highways Act, 1956. The notification came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette on August 20, 2025.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to facilitate crucial infrastructure development by ensuring the smooth acquisition of land necessary for national highway projects. The National Highways Act, 1956, provides a structured framework for such acquisitions, balancing public interest in infrastructure with the rights of landowners. The Act establishes a clear procedure for land acquisition for national highways, beginning with an initial declaration of intent, followed by public notification, invitation for objections, their consideration, and finally, the formal declaration of acquisition and vesting of land. This systematic approach aims to address potential disputes and ensure transparency in the acquisition process, thereby preventing delays in critical projects. The consideration and settlement of objections, as explicitly mentioned, are integral to this process, ensuring that concerns of affected parties are heard before final acquisition. The notification itself does not introduce new rights or obligations beyond the existing framework of the National Highways Act, 1956, but rather implements its provisions for a specific project. It formalizes the transfer of ownership of the identified land parcels from private owners to the Central Government for public use. The vesting of land "free from all encumbrances" (legal claims or liabilities on property) is a key enforcement mechanism, ensuring that the acquired land is unencumbered by prior claims or liabilities, thereby allowing for immediate and unhindered project execution. 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.” Such acquisitions are vital for expanding India's national highway network, which is crucial for economic growth, improved connectivity, and efficient transportation of goods and people. The specific stretch of NH 166-G in Kolhapur is part of this broader national effort to upgrade and expand road infrastructure.

Keywords: National Highway Act, Land Acquisition, NH 166-G, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Ministry of Road Transport, Infrastructure, Public Works, Official Gazette

Geo Tags: India, Maharashtra
District: Kolhapur