The construction of the Aligarh-Palwal National Highway is scheduled to commence before Holi, enhancing connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. This 72 km highway project, developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), comes with a budget of Rs 13.61 billion ($163 million). Key developments include ongoing land acquisition and significant compensation efforts for affected farmers.
- The highway project aims to improve connectivity across four states.
- Compensation of Rs 1 billion has already been disbursed to farmers.
Project Overview and Objectives
The Aligarh-Palwal National Highway project is a significant infrastructure initiative that aims to enhance the transportation network between key northern Indian states. Stretching over 72 km, the highway is designed to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce travel times significantly. The planning phase has been completed, and the NHAI is gearing up for construction, with the project expected to be beneficial for regional economic growth. The highway will primarily connect major cities in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi, facilitating smoother movement for goods and passengers. With an allocated budget of Rs 13.61 billion, the project is a critical investment in India’s transport infrastructure.
Land Acquisition and Compensation Initiatives
A crucial aspect of the Aligarh-Palwal National Highway project is the land acquisition process, which involves a total of 281 hectares. So far, 100 hectares have been successfully acquired. The government has prioritized compensation, distributing Rs 1 billion ($12 million) among 700 farmers whose lands have been affected. Furthermore, an additional allocation of Rs 400 million ($5 million) is set aside for another 280 farmers. However, compensation requests from approximately 1,200 remaining farmers are still under review, indicating ongoing negotiations and assessments. This proactive approach to compensation is vital in ensuring the support of local communities, which is essential for the success of such large-scale infrastructure projects. Officials are optimistic that the measures taken will smooth the path for construction and foster goodwill among the affected parties.
As the project progresses, the NHAI has assured stakeholders that their needs will be addressed throughout the construction timeline. This focus on community engagement is expected to mitigate opposition and enhance public perception of the project.
Key Features and Future Impact
The Aligarh-Palwal National Highway boasts several key features that contribute to its importance. The project includes the construction of 46 km of new road primarily between Khairshwar Chowk and Palwal. Additionally, a 33 km diversion at Khair and Jattari is planned to ease existing traffic congestion. The project will also feature a toll plaza in Rajapur village, Khair, and will upgrade the roads to four lanes over certain stretches. Underpasses measuring 7-12 meters will be constructed at strategic points, including Loda, Andala, and Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh University. A crucial 30-meter flyover will also follow the Defence Corridor, enhancing connectivity even further.
