New Delhi: Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation will transfer 4.64 hectares of land in Gujarat to NHAI for extension and six-laning of the Ahmedabad-Vadodara highway.

The land will be transferred on payment of compensation of Rs 12.67 crore. The Cabinet approved the proposal for transfer of 4.64 hectares (46,384 sq meters) of land belonging to IISWC Research Centre at Vasad, district Anand, Gujarat to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on payment of compensation amounting to Rs 12.67 crore.

The land will be used for extension and six-laning of Ahmedabad-Vadodara highway on NH-8. IISWC is under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The transfer of land to the NHAI is "likely to benefit the region leading to enhanced opportunities for growth and development in terms of infrastructure, transport, communication and employment generation," an official statement said.

The decision is also part of the government's plans to boost infrastructure in key sectors for accelerating the pace of growth.