A study of land acquisition and compensation process for national highway in Maharashtra

Abstract

The proposed Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway project in Maharashtra, India, has been facing significant challenges with regards to land acquisition. The project requires around 20,000 hectares of land, of which 8,000 hectares have been acquired so far. However, the land acquisition process has faced opposition from farmers, landowners, and opposition parties, who have raised concerns about the compensation being offered, the impact on agriculture, and the displacement of local communities. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), which is responsible for the project, has made changes to the land acquisition process, including increasing compensation, providing jobs to displaced persons, and setting up a grievance redressal mechanism. The Maharashtra government has also passed a law to expedite the land acquisition process. Despite these measures, the land acquisition process remains a contentious issue, with many continuing to oppose it. The Samruddhi Mahamarg project aims to improve connectivity and reduce travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur, two major cities in the state. However, the challenges faced in land acquisition have caused significant delays in the project. The outcome of the land acquisition process will have a significant impact on the future of the project and the economy of Maharashtra.