Kishanganj: The Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway project, aimed at improving road connectivity between eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and the Northeast, has taken a significant step forward in Kishanganj with the formal initiation of the land acquisition process.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification under Section 3A of the National Highways Act, 1956, expressing its intention to acquire land for the project. The notification was issued on September 24 and published in the Gazette of India on October 1.
According to notification S.O. 5288(E), land falling between kilometre 434.45 and kilometre 506.95 of the proposed expressway in Kishanganj district has been identified for acquisition. This covers approximately 72.5 km of the project within the district.
The Central Government has stated that the land acquisition is required for the construction, management, maintenance and safe operation of the expressway.
Land in Thakurganj, Terhagach areas identified
According to the schedule published in the Gazette, land in the Thakurganj and Terhagach revenue circles of Kishanganj will be affected by the project.
Several revenue villages in Thakurganj block, including Besarbati, Patharia, Nezagach, Gothra and Kanakpur, among others, have been included in the proposed land acquisition area.
Following the notification, landowners and raiyats in the affected villages have started checking their land records, including khata, khesra and area details, to determine how much land may be acquired for the project.
The proposed acquisition has also triggered discussions among affected farmers over compensation. At the administrative level, officials will match the land identified in the notification with revenue records before proceeding with physical verification and demarcation.
Landowners can file objections within 21 days
Affected landowners and other persons having an interest in the notified land can submit written objections within 21 days from the date of publication of the notification in the Gazette.
The objections have to be submitted before the District Land Acquisition Officer-cum-Competent Authority, Kishanganj.
The competent authority will hear the objections and provide affected landowners an opportunity to present their case either personally or through an authorised legal representative.
The project map, details of the land, khesra numbers and other relevant documents will also be available for inspection at the office of the competent authority. This will allow affected raiyats to verify the status of their land and the details of the proposed acquisition.
Survey, demarcation and compensation to follow
The land acquisition process will now proceed through several stages. The authorities will first consider and dispose of objections received from affected landowners. This will be followed by physical verification and demarcation of the land and further action towards final acquisition.
The land proposed for acquisition will subsequently be assessed for determining compensation in accordance with the applicable procedure. Eligible landowners will be paid compensation following the prescribed process.
Affected farmers are now closely watching the administration’s survey, demarcation and compensation assessment process. There is also considerable interest among landowners over the compensation rates and the timeline for payment.
Expressway to improve connectivity from eastern UP to Siliguri
The Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway is being developed as a major road connectivity project linking eastern Uttar Pradesh, north Bihar, the Seemanchal region, north Bengal and the Northeast.
Once completed, the expressway is expected to reduce travel time for long-distance traffic and facilitate the movement of goods between the regions. Improved road connectivity could also help reduce transportation costs and support trade and economic activity along the corridor.
Kishanganj to gain strategic connectivity
Kishanganj occupies an important geographical position in the proposed corridor, with the district serving as a key transit area between Bihar, West Bengal and the Northeast.
The expressway is expected to strengthen road connectivity in the district and provide better access for local markets, agricultural produce and commercial activity.
The project could also create opportunities for investment and employment in the region, although the extent of such benefits will depend on the eventual development and operation of the corridor.
With the Gazette notification now issued, verification of land records, ground surveys and objections from affected landowners will be the immediate focus in Kishanganj. Further acquisition-related action will follow after these statutory processes are completed.
