Central Government Designates Yerraguntla By-Pass as Special Railway Project for Land Acquisition

The Ministry of Railways (South Central Railway) issued Notification S.O. 1836(E) on April 22, 2025, which was subsequently published in the Official Gazette on April 23, 2025. This notification, issued under the authority of the Central Government, formally declared a specific railway development as a Special Railway Project. The primary reason for the issuance of this instrument was to facilitate the acquisition of land necessary for the construction of critical national infrastructure. The notification came into force immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

The notification specifically designates the Proposed By-Pass line at Yerraguntla Station, spanning 2.50 kilometers, as a Special Railway Project. This declaration is crucial for enabling the acquisition of land required for the project in the State of Andhra Pradesh, particularly within the YSR Kadapa District. The legislative intent behind such a notification is to streamline the process of land acquisition for projects deemed vital for national development and public utility. The legislation provided: “...the Central Government hereby notifies Proposed By-Pass line at Yerraguntla Station (2.50 Km) as a Special Railway Project for acquisition of land in the State of Andhra Pradesh in the District of YSR Kadapa for providing National Infrastructure for a public purpose with effect from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette.” This action is rooted in the powers conferred upon the Central Government by clause (37A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989, which provides the statutory framework for identifying and executing such railway projects. The policy rationale underscores the government's commitment to expanding and modernizing the country's railway network, recognizing it as essential national infrastructure. By categorizing this specific bypass line as a Special Railway Project, the notification addresses the procedural requirements for land procurement, ensuring that the necessary land can be acquired efficiently for a public purpose. This mechanism allows for the timely execution of railway projects that contribute to improved connectivity and economic growth, thereby fulfilling a critical public need.

Keywords: Railways Act 1989, Special Railway Project, land acquisition, Yerraguntla By-Pass, Andhra Pradesh, YSR Kadapa, Ministry of Railways, national infrastructure, notification Geo Tags: India, Andhra Pradesh District: YSR Kadapa