Central Government Finalizes Land Acquisition for Key Railway Project in Gujarat

The Ministry of Railways (Western Railway (Construction Organization)) issued Notification S.O. 5664(E) on December 8, 2025, formally declaring the acquisition of land for the New Broad Gauge Bypass Line Y Connection at Gandhidham Adipur, a Special Railway Project designed to provide direct entry towards Mundra Port and Bhuj. This notification, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-Section (ii), marks the culmination of a statutory process initiated under the Railways Act, 1989. The Central Government had previously declared its intention to acquire the land through Notification S.O. 188(E), dated December 11, 2024, which was published on January 11, 2023, under sub-section (1) of section 20A of the said Act. The project, spanning 10.69 kilometers, is situated in Kutch District in the State of Gujarat.

Following the initial declaration, the substance of the notification was published in daily newspapers, including the Times of India (English), on December 24, 2024, as required by sub-section (4) of section 20A of the Railways Act, 1989. No objections were received from the public regarding the proposed acquisition, and these were subsequently considered and disallowed by the Competent Authority, leading to the issuance of necessary orders. In compliance with sub-section (1) of section 20E of the Railways Act, 1989, the competent authority submitted its report to the Central Government. Upon receipt of this report and in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 20E of the Act, the Central Government has now declared that the lands specified in the annexed Schedule shall be acquired for the stated purpose. Furthermore, in pursuance of sub-section (2) of section 20E of the said Act, the Central Government declared that upon publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, the specified land would vest absolutely in the Central Government, free from all encumbrances. The notification came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette on December 8, 2025.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to facilitate the timely execution, maintenance, management, and operation of critical railway infrastructure. The project aims to enhance connectivity and logistical efficiency for the Mundra Port and Bhuj region, which are significant economic hubs. The earlier legal position involved a multi-stage process under the Railways Act, 1989, designed to ensure transparency and address potential public concerns regarding land acquisition. This notification addresses the statutory requirement for a final declaration of acquisition, thereby resolving any limitations or uncertainties regarding land availability for the project. The Railways Act, 1989, provides a structured framework for such acquisitions, balancing public interest with the rights of landowners. The legislation provided: “...the Central Government hereby declares that 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 provision ensures that once the notification is published, the Central Government obtains clear and unencumbered title to the land, which is crucial for the smooth progress of large-scale infrastructure projects. The acquired lands, located in Meghapar (Kumbhardi) village of Anjar Taluka in Kutch District, Gujarat, include both agricultural and non-agricultural parcels, some with specific ownership details recorded and others without. This final declaration enables the Central Government to proceed with the construction and development of the New Broad Gauge Bypass Line Y Connection, contributing to regional development and improved rail access.

Keywords: Land acquisition, Railways Act 1989, Ministry of Railways, Western Railway, Gujarat, Kutch, Gandhidham Adipur, Mundra Port, Bhuj Project, Special Railway Project, land vesting, infrastructure
Geo Tags: India, Gujarat
District: Kutch