Government to acquire 15 lakh hectares of land for Vadodara–Statue of Unity state highway widening

The Gujarat government has decided to acquire private land to further widen the state highway connecting Vadodara to the Statue of Unity (SOU). Around 15 lakh hectares of land in Vadodara district are proposed to be acquired from private landowners, with the acquisition process currently under way.

Push for high-speed connectivity

The widening project is part of efforts to develop high-speed road infrastructure between Vadodara and the Statue of Unity across Vadodara and Narmada districts. While sections of the Vadodara–Dabhoi stretch of the state highway have already been widened, work is continuing to make the route more convenient for motorists. However, no concrete measures have yet been announced to address persistent traffic congestion at several points along the highway.

Private land from 17 villages to be acquired

Privately owned land from 17 villages in Vadodara district will be acquired for the project. Officials said Akoti village in Dabhoi taluka will see the highest land acquisition, while Muhammadpura village in Vadodara taluka will see the least.

In total, about 15 lakh hectares covering 825 survey numbers across these villages are proposed for acquisition. Proceedings have been initiated under Section 10(a) to acquire land from private owners.

The villages where land acquisition is planned include:

• Akoti
• Bhilapur 
• Chanwada
• Dabhoi 
• Dharampuri
• Fartikui
• Gamdi
• Hansapura
• Mahammadpura
• Palaswada
• Puda
• Sathod
• Sitpur
• Tharvasa
• Thuvavi
• Vadaj
• Vega

Revenue Department to handle acquisition

The acquisition will cover the stretch from Muhammadpura village in Vadodara taluka to Akoti village in Dabhoi taluka. The District Roads and Buildings Department has initiated the process, while the Revenue Department will carry out the land acquisition work. 

Notices issued for structures along the road margin

As part of the widening exercise, the Roads and Buildings Department has also begun action against structures falling within the road margin. Notices have reportedly been issued for the removal of certain walls and religious structures, including temples, that lie within the proposed widening area.

Government land also identified for takeover

Apart from private land, the authorities are also moving to acquire government-owned land, including parcels belonging to the state government and the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam. A total of 84 survey numbers of government land have been identified for acquisition. Officials said a site survey from Akoti to Hetampura has already been completed.

Palaswada railway gate remains a traffic bottleneck

Daily traffic congestion near the Palaswada railway gate on the Vadodara–Dabhoi state highway continues to be a major concern for commuters. Motorists are frequently stuck in long traffic jams on both sides of the gate, sometimes for hours. Residents say ambulances have also been caught in these jams, raising safety concerns.

Despite the widening project, there is no clarity on when or how the recurring congestion at the Palaswada gate will be resolved, with the Roads and Buildings Department, police and railways yet to announce a coordinated solution.