Gandhinagar: The Central Government has formally approved the acquisition of over 14.21 hectares of private agricultural land in Gujarat’s Tapi district for the widening and four-laning of National Highway-56, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The notification, S.O. 5630(E), states that the land acquisition pertains to the stretch between Km 240+300 and Km 269+100 on NH-56, covering villages including Kanja, Chapavadi, Tichakpura, and Kapura in Vyara taluka.

The process began with a preliminary notification (S.O. 5610(E) dated December 27, 2024), which declared the government’s intention to acquire the land for widening, maintenance, management and operation of the highway. The notification’s substance was subsequently published in The Times of India and Divya Bhaskar on January 17, 2025, as mandated under the National Highways Act.

Following the publication, objections from affected landowners were submitted. The Competent Authority reviewed and disallowed all objections, forwarding its final report to the Centre. Acting on the report, the government has now issued the declaration under Section 3D of the Act, confirming that the land will be acquired.

The notification further clarifies that upon its publication, the designated land “shall vest absolutely in the Central Government, free from all encumbrances,” completing the statutory process of acquisition.

A total of 44 survey plots, all categorised as private agricultural land, will be taken over for the project. The widening of NH-56 is expected to significantly enhance road connectivity in the Tapi region, improve travel safety, and support regional economic activity.