Central Government Finalizes Land Acquisition for Aurangabad Ankai Doubling Railway Project

The Ministry of Railways (South Central Railway) issued Notification S.O. 1061(E) on February 27, 2025, formally declaring the acquisition of land for the Aurangabad Ankai Doubling project in the Aurangabad District of Maharashtra. This notification follows an earlier declaration of intent, S.O. 1014 (E), dated March 4, 2024, which was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, and initiated the process under sub-section (1) of section 20(A) of the Railway Act, 1989. The initial notification outlined the Central Government's intention to acquire land for the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of this Special Railway Project. The substance of the said notification was subsequently published in daily newspapers, including Lokmat, Lokmat Times, and Lokmat Samachar, on March 14, 2024, in compliance with sub-section (4) of section 20A of the Act. Following this, no objections were received from Parsoda, Rotegaon, Sawandgaon, and Lasurgaon villages, leading to orders being passed by the Competent Authority. In Bendwadi village, certain objections were received, which were duly considered by the Competent Authority before orders were passed. In pursuance of sub-section (1) of section 20E of the Railway Act, the Competent Authority submitted its report to the Central Government. Upon receipt of this report, and exercising powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 20E of the Act, the Central Government declared that the specified lands would be acquired. Furthermore, in accordance with sub-section (2) of section 20E, the Central Government declared that upon publication of this notification in the Official Gazette on February 28, 2025, the land detailed in the annexed schedule would vest absolutely in the Central Government, free from all encumbrances. The schedule provides a brief description of the land to be acquired, including specific survey numbers, landholder names, and total areas in villages such as Sawandgaon, Lasurgaon, Rotegaon, Parsoda, and Bendwadi, falling under the Vaijapur Taluka of Aurangabad District.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to facilitate the expeditious and unhindered development of critical railway infrastructure. The Railway Act, 1989 (Act 24 of 1989), provides the comprehensive statutory framework for the acquisition of land necessary for railway projects. This particular notification addresses the final and crucial stage of the land acquisition process, ensuring that the required land for the Aurangabad Ankai Doubling project is legally secured. The policy rationale underscores the government's commitment to enhancing railway connectivity and capacity, which are vital for economic development and public transportation. By declaring the land free from all encumbrances (legal claims or liabilities), the notification streamlines the process for the Ministry of Railways to proceed with construction and operation without future legal challenges regarding ownership or rights. The process, which involves an initial declaration of intent, public notification, a period for objections, and a final declaration of acquisition and vesting, ensures transparency and adherence to due process. The legislation provided: “...the Central Government hereby declares that the lands specified in the schedule annexed hereto shall be acquired for the aforesaid purpose, And further... on publication of this notification in the official Gazette, the land specified in the schedule annexed hereto shall vest absolutely in the Central government free from all encumbrances.” This final declaration ensures that the land is formally transferred to the Central Government, thereby removing any statutory gaps or limitations that might impede the progress of the Special Railway Project.

Keywords: Land Acquisition, Railway Act 1989, Aurangabad Ankai Doubling Project, Ministry of Railways, Maharashtra, Special Railway Project, Government Notification, Land Vesting, Infrastructure Development
Geo Tags: India, Maharashtra
District: Aurangabad