NHAI acquired 31,000 hectares over last 3 years

NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority of India acquired over 31,000 hectares in the last three years, even as delays in land acquisition stalled highway projects across the country.

In 2013-14, there was a 54% spurt in land acquisition at 12,336 hectare as against 8,005 hectare in the previous year. Minister of state for road transport and highways Pon Radhakrishnan said in reply to a question in parliament that several issues regarding land acquisition are being resolved in consultation with various state governments.

The minister said that a well laid down dispute resolution mechanism has been put in place under the National Highway Act, 1956, and acquisition of land and payment of compensation is being done after passing of award by the competent authority. Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari has set a target of constructing 30 km of roads per day in the next two years.