Central Government Notifies Land Acquisition for NH-133E Bridge Project in Banka, Bihar

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a Notification, S.O. 3812(E), on August 20, 2025, declaring its intention to acquire land for a significant infrastructure project in Bihar. This notification, published in the Official Gazette, came into force upon its publication. The Central Government, exercising powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3A of the National Highways Act, 1956 (Act 48 of 1956), determined that the land, detailed in an accompanying schedule, is required for public purpose. Specifically, the land is designated for the construction, maintenance, management, and operation of a new High-Level Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Major Bridge at the existing location of an old bridge across the Sukhaniya River. This project is situated in the 52nd kilometer (from Km. 51.800 to Km. 52.320) on National Highway 133E, including its approaches, which span an aggregate length of 370 meters (147 meters on the Bhagalpur side and 223 meters on the Bhaljor side) within the Banka district of Bihar. The project is to be executed under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Mode. The notification outlines a crucial procedural safeguard, allowing any person interested in the said land to object to its proposed use. Such objections must be submitted in writing to the Competent Authority, identified as the District Land Acquisition Officer (DLAO), Banka, within twenty-one days from the date of the notification's publication. The Competent Authority is mandated to provide the objector an opportunity of being heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner, and may, after due inquiry, either allow or disallow the objections. Any order issued by the Competent Authority in this regard, under sub-section (2) of section 3C of the National Highways Act, 1956, is deemed final. Furthermore, the land plans and other pertinent details regarding the land to be acquired are made available for inspection by interested persons at the office of the Competent Authority.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to facilitate the timely and efficient development of national highway infrastructure, which is critical for economic growth and connectivity. The National Highways Act, 1956, provides the statutory framework for the Central Government to declare certain highways as national highways and to undertake their development and maintenance, including the acquisition of land necessary for such projects. This specific notification addresses the practical necessity of acquiring land for the construction of a vital bridge on NH-133E, aiming to improve transportation links and ensure safer passage over the Sukhaniya River. The policy rationale underscores the government's commitment to upgrading and expanding the national highway network. The Act recognizes that such large-scale public works often necessitate the acquisition of private and government lands, and it establishes a clear process to balance public interest with the rights of affected individuals. The provision for objections and a hearing before the Competent Authority serves as a fundamental enforcement mechanism, ensuring transparency and due process in land acquisition proceedings. This mechanism allows affected parties to present their grievances and concerns, which the Competent Authority must consider before making a final decision. The legislation provided: “In exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3A of the National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956) (hereinafter referred to as the said Act), the Central Government, after being satisfied that for the public purpose, the land, the brief description of which is given in the Schedule below, is required for Construction, maintenance, management and operation of the Section of new High Level RCC Major Bridge at existing location of old Bridge across Sukhaniya River in km. 52nd (Km. 51.800 to Km. 52.320) on NH-133E its approaches having an aggregate length of 370m (147m Bhagalpur side and 223m Bhaljor side) in the district of BANKA in the state of BIHAR on EPC Mode, hereby declares its intention to acquire such land.” This declaration is a crucial step in the land acquisition process, setting in motion the subsequent procedures for public engagement and eventual acquisition, thereby addressing the statutory gaps that would otherwise impede critical infrastructure development.

Keywords: Land Acquisition, National Highways Act, NH-133E, Sukhaniya River Bridge, Banka, Bihar, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Public Purpose, Infrastructure Development, Notification

Geo Tags: India, Bihar
District: Banka