Central Government Designates Competent Authority for Andhra Pradesh Railway Over Bridge Project

The Ministry of Railways (South Central Railway) issued Notification S.O. 5514(E) on November 28, 2025, which was subsequently published in the Gazette of India as an extraordinary issue on December 1, 2025. This notification formally designated a Competent Authority for a specific Special Railway Project. The Central Government, exercising powers conferred by Clause (7A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989, authorized the Revenue Divisional Officer, Narsipatnam, to perform the functions of the Competent Authority. This designation pertains to the "Construction of Road Over Bridge in lieu of Level Crossing No.450 at Km.682/30-32 between Tuni - Gullipadu Stations" in Anakapalli District, Andhra Pradesh. The designated officer is tasked with the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of this project. The notification came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette on December 1, 2025. 

The legislative intent behind this notification was to ensure the efficient and streamlined implementation of critical railway infrastructure projects. By formally appointing a Competent Authority, the Central Government aimed to provide a clear administrative structure for the project's lifecycle, from its initial execution through ongoing maintenance and operation. This mechanism, rooted in the Railways Act, 1989, addresses the need for a designated official empowered to oversee all aspects of a special railway undertaking, thereby preventing potential delays or ambiguities in responsibility. The legislation provided: “In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (7A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989, the Central Government hereby authorizes the officer mentioned in the column(5) of the Table below to perform the functions of the Competent Authority in respect of the Special Railway Project as mentioned in column (2) of the Table, for execution, maintenance, management and operation in the State mentioned in Column (3) of the said table with effect from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette.” This specific authorization ensures that the construction of the Road Over Bridge, a vital piece of infrastructure replacing a level crossing, benefits from dedicated oversight. Such designations are crucial for large-scale public works, as they establish accountability and facilitate coordinated efforts among various stakeholders involved in railway development. The notification thus filled a specific administrative requirement for the project in Anakapalli District, ensuring that the legal framework for its management was firmly in place. 

Keywords: Railways Act 1989, Competent Authority, Road Over Bridge, Railway Project, Andhra Pradesh, Anakapalli District, Ministry of Railways, Notification, Infrastructure Development, Level Crossing

Geo Tags: India, Andhra Pradesh
District: Anakapalli District