New rule: Unused highway land must be returned in 5 years

National Highway: In accordance with the National Highway Act, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will implement some modifications. Sources claim that these adjustments are intended to decrease legal conflicts and expedite the acquisition of land for the construction of highways and the amenities that will be accessible along the route.

Land Acquisition Rules: In recent years, the nation’s highways and motorways have grown significantly. The government also purchased land for this purpose. However, plans are currently underway to implement a new land acquisition regulation. This rule states that the land will be returned to its original owners after five years if the government does not use it for the construction of a roadway. In addition, neither the Highway Authority nor the landowner will be able to contest the compensation sum for three months following the declaration of the land compensation.

Changes are submitted for cabinet approval.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has made a proposal for cabinet approval to amend the National Highway Act, according to the news article in TOI. These modifications include a few unique clauses. Sources claim that these measures are intended to decrease legal battles and expedite the acquisition of land for the construction of highways and on-route amenities. The proposed amendment states that any intersection of the highway with other forms of transportation, such as rail and air, will be designated as a national highway by the government.

The proposed modification received feedback from numerous departments.

To address upcoming requirements, this clause has been suggested. The departments of Civil Aviation, Railways, Defense, Shipping, Coal and Environment, as well as Legal Affairs and Revenue, have provided feedback on the proposed changes. The idea states that the government will set up a dedicated webpage to house land acquisition notices. For the operation of highway segments, land can be purchased for offices, public utilities, toll booths, and wayside amenities.

won’t be able to complete any development or transaction

The Highway Ministry has also suggested that no one be allowed to do any form of construction or transaction on the site until the government has finished the process of issuing a notification for land acquisition. Due to incidents where landowners constructed homes or launched businesses after receiving the initial notice of land acquisition in order to receive greater compensation, this idea is significant.

The proposed amendments also make it clear that the arbitrator must first consider the land’s market value on the notification date when determining the award. This will put a stop to the practice of making arbitrary pay decisions. According to the source, the planned amendments have established guidelines for the arbitrators, a deadline for authorities to decide on pay, and a way to file objections to the amount of compensation. Its goal is to increase openness in every facet of land acquisition for the construction of national highways.

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