Central Government Designates Road Over Bridge Project in Andhra Pradesh as Special Railway Project

The Ministry of Railways (South Central Railway) issued Notification S.O. 4151(E) on September 10, 2024, which was published in the Gazette of India on Saturday, September 21, 2024. This notification formally designated the construction of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) in Andhra Pradesh as a Special Railway Project. The Central Government, exercising powers conferred by clause (37A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989, took this step to facilitate the acquisition of land necessary for the project. The specific undertaking involves the Construction of Road Over Bridge in lieu of Level Crossing No. 355 at Km. 501/22-24, situated between Denduluru and Bhimadolu stations. This project is located within the Eluru District of Andhra Pradesh and is intended to serve a public purpose by providing national infrastructure. The notification came into force with effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to streamline the process of land acquisition for critical railway infrastructure development. By classifying the Road Over Bridge construction as a "Special Railway Project," the Central Government leverages specific provisions within the Railways Act, 1989, that are designed to expedite such acquisitions. The legislation provided: “...the Central Government hereby notifies Construction of Road Over Bridge in lieu of Level Crossing No. 355 at Km. 501/22-24 between Denduluru - Bhimadolu stations as a Special Railway Project for acquisition of land in the State of Andhra Pradesh in the District of Eluru for providing National Infrastructure for a public purpose...” This designation addresses potential statutory gaps or limitations that might arise under general land acquisition laws, ensuring that projects deemed vital for national infrastructure can proceed efficiently. The policy rationale underscores the importance of developing robust transportation networks, which necessitates a clear and effective mechanism for acquiring the requisite land. This action does not introduce new rights or obligations in a broad sense but rather applies existing statutory frameworks to a specific project, thereby enabling the execution of a public works initiative that enhances connectivity and safety by replacing a level crossing with an overpass.

Keywords: Railways Act, 1989, Road Over Bridge, Special Railway Project, Land Acquisition, Andhra Pradesh, Eluru District, Ministry of Railways, National Infrastructure, Level Crossing Geo Tags: India, Andhra Pradesh District: Eluru