Central Government Initiates Land Acquisition for Bangriposi-Gorumahisani Special Railway Project in Odisha

The Ministry of Railways, through the South Eastern Railway’s Construction Organization, issued a statutory notification declaring the Central Government’s intention to acquire land for a significant infrastructure development in Odisha. Published in the Gazette of India on October 10, 2025, the notification, identified as S.O. 4639(E), was issued in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 20A of the Railways Act, 1989. This legislative instrument marked the formal commencement of the land acquisition process required for the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of the Bangriposi-Gorumahisani new line, which spans approximately 85.60 kilometers. The project was designated as a Special Railway Project, a classification that streamlines the development of essential rail infrastructure under Chapter IV-A of the Act.

The legislation provided: “…the Central Government, after being satisfied that for the public purpose, the land, the brief description of which is given in the schedule below, is required for execution, maintenance, management and operation of Bangriposi-Gorumahisani (85.60 Km.) new line as Special Railway Project in the district of Mayurbhanj in the state of Odisha, hereby declares its intension to acquire such land.”

The notification specified that the land identified for acquisition is situated within the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, specifically covering various plots in the mouzas (administrative revenue blocks) of Balitangiri, Sanamouda, and Haldibani. These areas fall under the jurisdictions of the Goru Mahisani and Rairangpur police stations and the Rairangpur rural tahasil. The schedule accompanying the notification detailed private land holdings, including various types of land classifications such as Sarada, Dahi, and Jalashaya, which are now subject to the acquisition proceedings. The notification came into force immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

Under the statutory framework provided by the Railways Act, 1989, the government established a clear mechanism for persons interested in the affected lands to voice their concerns. Any individual with an interest in the specified land was granted a period of thirty days from the date of the notification’s publication to file an objection. Such objections must be submitted under sub-section (1) of section 20D of the Act and directed to the Competent Authority, designated as the Land Acquisition Officer of Mayurbhanj. The office of the Competent Authority is located within the premises of the Collector and District Magistrate in Baripada.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to facilitate the expansion of the national rail network while ensuring a structured legal process for landholders. The statutory procedure requires that every objection be made in writing, setting out specific grounds for the challenge. The Competent Authority is mandated to provide the objector with an opportunity to be heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner (a qualified lawyer authorized to represent clients in legal proceedings). Following such hearings and any further necessary inquiries, the authority may issue an order either allowing or disallowing the objections. According to the notification, any order made by the Land Acquisition Officer under sub-section (2) of section 20D shall be final, precluding further administrative appeals on the merits of the acquisition intent at this stage.

This move addressed the necessity of enhancing connectivity in the region through the Bangriposi-Gorumahisani line. By invoking the provisions of the Railways Act, 1989, the government utilized the specialized framework applicable to railway projects to ensure timely execution and management. The notification also ensured transparency by making land plans and other specific details available for inspection by interested parties at the office of the Competent Authority. The acquisition process encompasses both vacant land and land with existing structures, as necessitated by the technical requirements of the 85.60 km rail project.

Keywords: Land Acquisition, Railways Act 1989, Odisha, Mayurbhanj, Special Railway Project, Ministry of Railways, South Eastern Railway, Bangriposi-Gorumahisani

Geo Tags: India, Odisha
District: Mayurbhanj