The government is set to rank states based on three key factors: the quality of land records, the ease of land acquisition, and their participation in highway development.
Land Acquisition Delays as Major Roadblock
One of the biggest challenges in executing road projects is land acquisition. Delays in acquiring land and poor quality land records cause significant setbacks.
According to V Umashankar, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, these issues often lead to project delays, especially when land records are incomplete or missing.
Ranking States for Better Accountability
To address these challenges, the government plans to assess states on these parameters and create rankings. This will help determine realistic timelines for each project based on the state’s performance in managing land acquisition.
The Issue of Missing Plots
A significant problem is the discovery of missing plots after project approval. Often, these issues are only uncovered months into the project, leading to delays and additional complications.
Some states consistently face this issue, making land planning a critical part of project preparation.
Learning from Global Examples
On project preparation, Umashankar pointed to the US as a model. In the US, 38% of land is owned by federal and state governments, making land acquisition easier for expressway development.
This highlights the importance of government ownership in smooth project execution.
Challenges in Land Acquisition: A Deeper Look
While states may rank well on land record quality, acquiring land remains a complex process due to legal hurdles, land disputes, and compensation issues.
The government is focusing on improving legal frameworks and creating clearer pathways for compensation to speed up land acquisition.
The Role of Technology in Land Management
Digital platforms and advanced technology play a key role in improving land record management.
The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and online land databases is becoming increasingly important in creating accurate, up-to-date land records that can streamline the acquisition process.
How Land Ownership Affects Project Timelines
States with higher government land ownership may experience fewer challenges in acquiring land for infrastructure projects.
In comparison, private land acquisition, particularly when dealing with multiple landowners, can significantly delay project timelines.
The Need for a Unified Land Acquisition Policy
A uniform land acquisition policy across all states is being discussed to standardize the process. This will ensure consistency and fairness, reducing confusion and delays in acquiring land for road projects.
