Central Government Finalizes Land Acquisition for Kota-Nagda Railway Project in Ratlam

The Ministry of Railways (West Central Railway) issued Notification S.O. 5720(E) on December 8, 2025, published in the Gazette of India on December 10, 2025. This notification formally declared the acquisition of specific land parcels in Ratlam District, Madhya Pradesh, for the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of a Special Railway Project. The project involves the Kota-Nagda section, specifically the construction of a Road Over Bridge on LC No. 14 in District Ratlam. This declaration followed an earlier notification, S.O. 2375 (E) dated May 29, 2025, which had initially conveyed the Central Government's intention to acquire the land under sub-section (1) of section 20A of the Railways Act, 1989 (an Act governing railway infrastructure development and related matters) and the Railways (Amendment) Act, 2008. 

The process leading to this final acquisition notification involved several statutory steps. The substance of the initial intention notification was duly published in local newspapers, including "FREE PRESS" (English) and "PRASARAN" and "RAJ EXPRESS" (Hindi), on June 4, 2025, in compliance with sub-section (4) of section 20A of the Railways Act. Following this public notice, the Competent Authority, responsible for overseeing the acquisition process, reported that no objections were received from any interested parties regarding the proposed land acquisition. Subsequently, in accordance with sub-section (1) of section 20E of the said Act, the Competent Authority submitted its comprehensive report to the Central Government. Upon receiving this report, the Central Government proceeded to exercise its powers under sub-section (1) of section 20E to declare the acquisition of the identified lands. The notification specified that the lands detailed in the annexed schedule would be acquired for the stated railway project. The legislation provided: “And further, in pursuance of sub-section (2) of Section 20E of the said Act, 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 notification came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette on December 10, 2025. 

The legislative intent behind this notification is to facilitate critical infrastructure development by ensuring the timely availability of land for the Special Railway Project. The policy rationale underscores the government's commitment to expanding and modernizing the railway network, which is vital for national connectivity and economic growth. The earlier legal position, established by the Railways Act, 1989, and its 2008 amendment, provides a structured framework for land acquisition for railway purposes, balancing public interest with the rights of landowners. This notification addresses the practical need for land by completing the statutory process, thereby overcoming potential issues or limitations that could arise from delays in land transfer. It formalizes the transfer of ownership from private and government entities to the Central Government, ensuring that the land is available for the construction of the Kota-Nagda section and the Road Over Bridge. The acquisition affects various private landowners and government land parcels in Reecha village, Aalot Taluka, Ratlam District, Madhya Pradesh, whose details are meticulously listed in the schedule, ensuring transparency and adherence to legal procedures for land acquisition for public utility projects. 

Keywords: Land Acquisition, Railways Act, 1989, Railways (Amendment) Act, 2008, Ministry of Railways, West Central Railway, Kota-Nagda Railway Project, Road Over Bridge, Ratlam District, Madhya Pradesh, Infrastructure Development, Official Gazette

Geo Tags: India, Madhya Pradesh
District: Ratlam