Central Government Declares Land Acquisition for Visakhapatnam Railway Expansion

The Ministry of Railways, through its East Coast Railway (Construction) Organisation, issued a Notification, S.O. 3933(E), on August 27, 2025, formally declaring the acquisition of specific land parcels in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. This action is undertaken for the development of a Special Railway Project, following an earlier declaration of intent by the Central Government. The initial declaration was made via Notification S.O. 34(E) dated January 3, 2025, issued under sub-section (1) of section 20A of the Railways Act, 1989. The project involves the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of the 3rd and 4th Railway Line between Vadlapudi (VDPD) and Gate Junction Cabin (GJC), including a Tie Line connecting Gangavaram Port and Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, spanning approximately 12.04 kilometers. The substance of the initial notification was duly published in local newspapers, including Sakshi (Telugu edition) and The Times of India (English edition), on February 6, 2025, as required by sub-section (4) of section 20A of the said Act. No objections were received from the public within the stipulated period following this public notice. Subsequently, the Competent Authority submitted its report to the Central Government under sub-section (1) of section 20E of the Railways Act, 1989. Upon publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, the specified land will vest absolutely in the Central Government, free from all encumbrances.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to facilitate the timely and unhindered progress of critical railway infrastructure development. The Railways Act, 1989, an Act of Parliament that provides for the construction, maintenance, and operation of railways, establishes the statutory framework for such land acquisitions, ensuring that public projects of national importance can proceed efficiently. This particular notification addresses the specific requirement for land to expand the railway network in a key industrial and port region of Andhra Pradesh. The earlier legal position, as outlined in the Railways Act, allowed for the declaration of intent to acquire land, followed by a period for public objections to be raised. By confirming that no objections were received and that the Competent Authority's report has been submitted, the notification effectively moves the process from an initial declaration of intent to a final acquisition. The legislation provided: “...the Central Government hereby declares that the lands specified in the schedule annexed here to shall be acquired for the aforesaid purpose; And further... the land specified in the schedule annexed here to shall vest absolutely in the Central Government free from all encumbrances.” This provision underscores the finality of the acquisition and the transfer of ownership to the Central Government. The notification ensures that the land required for the 3rd and 4th lines, crucial for enhancing rail connectivity and freight movement between industrial hubs and the port, is legally secured, thereby removing any statutory gaps or limitations that might impede the project's execution. This process ensures adherence to the legal provisions for land acquisition for railway purposes, culminating in the vesting of the land in the Central Government.

Keywords: Land acquisition, Railways Act 1989, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, East Coast Railway, Special Railway Project, 3rd 4th Line, Vadlapudi, Gangavaram Port, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

Geo Tags: India, Andhra Pradesh
District: Visakhapatnam