Government Proposes Amendments to National Highways Act to Enhance Land Acquisition Efficiency
The Indian government has proposed amendments to the National Highways Act to speed up land acquisition for infrastructure projects while addressing compensation disputes. The changes aim to reduce delays, ensure fair compensation, and improve transparency in the acquisition process.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Amendments
Return of Unused Land
One of the significant proposals is that land acquired for highway projects but left unused for five years should be returned to its original owners. This measure ensures that land is acquired only when necessary and prevents long-term holding without development.
Fixed Timeline for Compensation Disputes
To resolve legal disputes more efficiently, the amendments propose that any objections to compensation must be raised within three months of the award announcement. This is aimed at reducing prolonged litigation and ensuring landowners receive compensation promptly.
Compensation Based on Initial Notification
The new rules propose that compensation should be calculated based on the market value of the land at the time of the first acquisition notice. This prevents discrepancies in compensation assessments and avoids inflated claims due to later price fluctuations.
Restrictions on Land Transactions Post-Notification
To prevent manipulative practices, landowners will be prohibited from selling, leasing, or altering land after the government issues an acquisition notice. This measure prevents speculative construction aimed at securing higher compensation.
Integration of Interchanges into National Highway Network
The amendments will allow authorities to designate interchanges connecting highways to railways, airports, and major roads as part of the National Highway network. This is expected to improve connectivity and streamline transportation planning.
Improving Transparency with an Online Portal
To enhance transparency, the government plans to introduce an online portal where all land acquisition notices will be published. This digital platform will ensure stakeholders have easy access to information and allow for a more streamlined and accountable acquisition process.
Current Land Acquisition Framework
At present, land acquisition for National Highways falls under the National Highways Act, 1956, with compensation determined as per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued multiple guidelines to ensure a fair and efficient process, including the 2018 land acquisition manual.
Expected Impact of the Amendments
If approved, the amendments will accelerate road construction, reduce delays, and prevent prolonged compensation disputes. The streamlined process will ensure fair compensation while enabling faster execution of infrastructure projects.
By reforming the land acquisition process, the government aims to balance infrastructure development with the rights of landowners, ensuring efficiency, fairness, and economic growth.
