Central Government Designates Competent Authority for Railway Land Acquisition in Andhra Pradesh

The Ministry of Railways (South Central Railway) issued Notification S.O. 5580(E) on December 3, 2025, formally authorizing a specific officer to act as the Competent Authority for land acquisition concerning a designated Special Railway Project. This notification was issued by the Central Government in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (7A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989. The primary purpose of this issuance is to facilitate the acquisition of land necessary for the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of a critical railway infrastructure project. The notification specifies that it came into force with effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. The key provision of this legislative instrument is the empowerment of a designated official to carry out the functions related to land acquisition for a specific project, thereby streamlining the process.

The notification specifically addresses the construction of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) in lieu of Level Crossing No. 463, located at Kilometer 703/24 - 26, between Gullipadu and Narsipatnam stations in the state of Andhra Pradesh. For this particular project, the Revenue Divisional Officer, Narsipatnam, in the Anakapalli District, has been designated as the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition. This designation ensures that a clear and legally empowered entity is responsible for managing the land acquisition process, which is crucial for the timely completion of such infrastructure developments. The legislation provided: “...the Central Government hereby authorizes the officer mentioned in the column (5) of the Table below to perform the functions of the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition 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...”

The legislative intent behind this notification is to expedite the development of essential railway infrastructure by clearly defining the authority responsible for land acquisition. The Railways Act, 1989, provides the overarching statutory framework for railway operations and development, including provisions for land acquisition. However, it requires specific authorization through delegated legislation, such as this notification, to designate a "Competent Authority" (an official legally empowered to perform specific functions) for individual projects. This mechanism addresses potential statutory gaps or administrative ambiguities that could otherwise delay project implementation. By appointing a specific Revenue Divisional Officer, the notification aims to ensure a smooth and legally compliant process for acquiring the necessary land, thereby avoiding impediments to the construction of the Road Over Bridge. Such bridges are vital for enhancing safety by eliminating level crossings and improving traffic flow for both rail and road users. This action represents a practical application of existing law to facilitate public works, ensuring that new rights-of-way can be secured efficiently for the benefit of public transportation and safety.

Keywords: Railways Act 1989, land acquisition, Road Over Bridge, Ministry of Railways, Andhra Pradesh, Narsipatnam, Competent Authority, railway project, infrastructure, notification

Geo Tags: India, Andhra Pradesh District: Anakapalli