Expedite delivery of encumbrance-free land to NHAI: HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has sought a detailed timeline and expedited measures to address delays in delivering possession of encumbrance-free land to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for various projects across Punjab.

The Bench of Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Kuldeep Tiwari was told during the course of hearing that key projects such as the Beas-Baba Bakala-Batala-Dera Baba Nanak, Amritsar-Ghuman-Tanda-Una and Southern Ludhiana Bypass were facing hurdles.

Factors contributing to the delays included unresolved arbitration cases, missing revenue records and pending notifications under the provisions of the National Highways Act, 1956. The authority, among others, was represented by senior advocate Chetan Mittal.

The Bench said the NHAI was involved in the construction of pilot projects in the state. It was evident from the reply submitted that the authority was unable to expedite the execution of pilot projects due to non-delivery of encumbrance-free possession of land to it.

The court added that a list of pending projects would be provided within a week by the counsel for the NHAI to the Punjab Chief Secretary. He, in turn, would, within a week, direct the competent authority to initiate action in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions. The officer would further ensure that encumbrance-free possession of the listed projects was handed over to the NHAI within two months.

Regarding ongoing litigations pending before various courts and arbitration cases, the NHAI would expeditiously approach the judicial forums to seek swift resolution of the sub judice matters. The authority would make every effort to file appropriate applications before the courts concerned to vacate any status quo orders.

The collectors of different districts would oversee the ongoing projects. Punjab Director-General of Police would ensure prompt assistance whenever the NHAI asked for the same to secure encumbrance-free possession of land from the land-losers.