The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a formal notification on August 31, 2026 to acquire 94.482 hectares of land in Kutch for the widening and improvement of National Highway 27. The land lies along a 33‑kilometre stretch between Samakhiyali and Shikarpur, covering several villages in Bhachau taluka. The acquisition is a prerequisite for the planned upgrade of the highway to a six‑to‑eight lane corridor, as part of the central government's push to enhance connectivity in western India.
NH‑27 is a key east‑west arterial route that links Gujarat with the rest of the country, facilitating the movement of goods from the ports of Kandla and Mundra to interior markets. In Gujarat, the highway serves as a lifeline for the agrarian and industrial economies of Kutch, a region that relies heavily on road transport for its salt, textiles, and renewable‑energy sectors. Improving this stretch is expected to reduce travel time, lower vehicle operating costs, and boost trade flows across the state and beyond.
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The notification specifies that the land to be acquired spans 94.482 hectares across villages such as Bhachau, Samakhiyali, and Shikarpur. The Ministry has outlined a compensation framework in line with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, promising market‑rate payments and rehabilitation assistance to affected landowners. The acquisition process will be overseen by the District Collector of Kutch, who will coordinate with local panchayats and the State Land Revenue Department to ensure compliance with statutory timelines.
The proposed works include widening the existing two‑lane carriageway to a minimum of six lanes, with provisions for future expansion to eight lanes. In addition to lane addition, the project will incorporate modern drainage systems, safety barriers, and upgraded signage. Maintenance and operational facilities, such as rest areas and emergency response units, are also slated for construction. The upgraded corridor is expected to handle a projected 30 percent increase in traffic volume over the next decade, easing congestion on parallel routes and enhancing road safety.
While the central government has emphasized the strategic importance of the NH‑27 upgrade, officials acknowledge potential challenges, including land‑acquisition disputes and environmental clearances. The Ministry has pledged to resolve grievances through a dedicated grievance redressal cell and to conduct an environmental impact assessment before commencing earth‑moving activities. Construction is slated to begin in early 2027, with an anticipated completion window of 2029‑2030, subject to the timely resolution of land and regulatory issues.
