Central Government Declares Land Acquisition for Wardha Nanded Railway Project

The Ministry of Railways, Government of India, issued a significant notification, S.O. 973(E), on February 25, 2025, formally declaring the acquisition of land for the Wardha Yavatmal Nanded New BG Railway Line project in Maharashtra. This notification, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, section 3, Sub-section (ii), finalizes the process initiated under the Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008, for a crucial Special Railway Project. The Central Government’s action follows an earlier notification, S.O. 5223(A), dated December 30, 2024, which had expressed its intention to acquire the specified land for the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of this railway line in the Wardha district. The substance of this initial notification was subsequently published in daily newspapers, namely Pratapgadache Ware and Dainik Janmadhyam, on January 4, 2024, as required by sub-section (4) of section 20A of the said Act, to invite any objections from affected parties.

Following the prescribed statutory procedure, no objections were received regarding the proposed acquisition. The competent authority, after due consideration, passed the necessary orders and submitted its report to the Central Government. Consequently, the Central Government proceeded with the final declaration of acquisition. The legislation provided: “…the Central Government here by declares that the lands specified in the schedule annexed here to shall be acquired for the afore said purpose; And Further, in pursuance of sub-section (2) of section 20E of the said Act, the Central Government here by declares that on publication of this notification in the official Gazette; the land specified in the schedule annexed here to shall vest absolutely in the Central Government Free from all encumbrances.” This declaration signifies that upon the publication of this notification, the identified land, located in villages such as Salod and Selsura within the Wardha district, shall vest absolutely in the Central Government, free from all encumbrances (meaning claims or liabilities attached to the land). The notification came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette on February 25, 2025.

The primary objective behind this notification is to facilitate the timely and efficient development of critical railway infrastructure, specifically the Wardha Yavatmal Nanded New BG Railway Line. This project is deemed a Special Railway Project, underscoring its strategic importance for regional connectivity and economic development. The legal framework for this acquisition is established by the Railway (Amendment) Act, 2008, particularly sections 20A and 20E, which empower the Central Government to acquire land for railway purposes. The process outlined in the Act ensures transparency and due process, beginning with a declaration of intent, followed by a period for public objections, and culminating in a final declaration of acquisition once all procedural requirements are met and objections, if any, are addressed. This mechanism allows the government to secure the necessary land for public utility projects, ensuring that infrastructure development proceeds without undue delays while adhering to statutory provisions for land acquisition. The notification details specific land parcels, including survey numbers and acquisition areas, thereby formalizing the transfer of these lands to the Central Government for the designated railway project.

Keywords: Land Acquisition, Railway Project, Wardha Nanded, Central Government, Ministry of Railways, Maharashtra

Geo Tags: India, Maharashtra District: Wardha