Central Government Authorizes Competent Authorities for Special Railway Projects Land Acquisition

The Ministry of Railways (West Central Railway) issued a Notification, S.O. 1670(E), on April 5, 2025, which was subsequently published in the Official Gazette on April 8, 2025. This instrument formally designated specific officers as Competent Authorities for the purpose of land acquisition related to Special Railway Projects. The notification came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette. It was issued in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (7A) of Section 2 of the Railways (Amendment) Act-2008, empowering the Central Government to authorize such authorities. The key provision of this notification is the authorization of Sub Divisional Magistrates and a Special Land Acquisition Officer to perform functions as Competent Authorities. These designations are specifically for land acquisition activities concerning the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of certain railway projects in the States of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

The notification specifically identified projects within the Kota-Mathura section, including the construction of Road Over Bridges on LC No. 231 and LC No. 242 in Bharatpur District, and on LC No. 258 in Mathura District. For these projects, the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Uchchain, was authorized for the Uchchain subdivision in Bharatpur, while the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Bharatpur, was authorized for the Bharatpur subdivision, also in Bharatpur District. In Mathura District, the Special Land Acquisition Officer, Joint Organization, Mathura, was designated for the Goverdhan subdivision. The legislative intent behind this notification is to streamline and expedite the crucial process of land acquisition for vital railway infrastructure development. By clearly defining the authorities responsible, the government aims to ensure the smooth and efficient progress of these special projects. The earlier legal position, while providing the overarching framework through the Railways (Amendment) Act-2008, necessitated specific executive action to appoint the individuals who would exercise these powers on the ground. This notification addresses that need by filling the statutory gap concerning the designation of specific officers for particular projects. The legislation provided: “…the Central Government hereby authorizes the officers nominated in column (3) of the Table below as Competent Authority to perform the function as such authority under the said act with effect from the date of publication of this notification in the official Gazette in respect of the Special Railway Projects in the State of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh relating to Sub- Divisions mentioned in Column (4) Districts mentioned in Column (5) of the said table for the purpose of execution, maintenance, management and operation of land acquisition in such Railway Project.” This measure is designed to facilitate the timely completion of railway infrastructure, which is essential for enhancing connectivity and economic development in the specified regions.

Keywords: Railways Act, Land Acquisition, Competent Authority, Railway Projects, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Ministry of Railways, Notification, Infrastructure, Road Over Bridge

Geo Tags: Country: India State: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh District: Bharatpur, Mathura