Central Government Designates Guntur Railway Over Bridge as Special Project for Land Acquisition

The Ministry of Railways, through Notification S.O. 3858(E) issued on August 22, 2025, formally declared a specific infrastructure development in Andhra Pradesh as a Special Railway Project. This notification, published in the Official Gazette, was issued by the Central Government in exercise of powers conferred by clause (37A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989. The primary purpose of this declaration is to facilitate the acquisition of land required for the project. The project involves the construction of a 2-lane Railway Over Bridge (ROB) at Km 1/13-15 between Guntur and Nambur stations, specifically in lieu of Level Crossing (LC) No. 02, within the Guntur-Krishna Canal area. This designation came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette on August 22, 2025.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to enable the provision of national infrastructure for a public purpose. By classifying the construction of the 2-lane ROB as a Special Railway Project, the Central Government aims to streamline the process of land acquisition in the Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh. The Railways Act, 1989, provides specific provisions under clause (37A) of Section 2 that allow for such designations, which are crucial for projects requiring expedited land procurement for public utility. This mechanism addresses the need for a formal statutory classification to invoke the relevant land acquisition powers under the Act, ensuring that essential railway infrastructure projects can proceed efficiently. The legislation provided: “…the Central Government hereby notifies Guntur: Guntur-Krishna Canal: Construction of 2-lane ROB in lieu of LC No. 02 at Km 1/13-15 between Guntur-Nambur stations as a Special Railway Project for acquisition of land in the State of Andhra Pradesh in the District of Guntur for providing National Infrastructure for a public purpose…” This designation is critical for the development of modern railway infrastructure, such as the replacement of level crossings with over bridges, which enhances safety and improves traffic flow. The notification ensures that the necessary land can be acquired under the specific legal framework applicable to Special Railway Projects, thereby contributing to the broader goal of national infrastructure development.

Keywords: Railways Act 1989, Special Railway Project, land acquisition, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Ministry of Railways, infrastructure, ROB, railway over bridge Geo Tags: India, Andhra Pradesh District: Guntur