Central Government Notifies Intent to Acquire Land for Railway Doubling Project in Telangana

The Ministry of Railways (South Central Railway) issued Notification S.O. 681(E) on February 10, 2025, declaring its intention to acquire land for a significant public infrastructure project. This notification, published in the Official Gazette, initiates the process for the acquisition of land required for the "SPECIAL RAILWAY PROJECT, Construction of Doubling Between Motamarri and Vishnupuram" in Nalgonda District, Telangana. The Central Government, exercising powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 20A of the Railways Act, 1989 (24 of 1989), determined that the land, detailed in an annexed schedule, is necessary for this public purpose. The project specifically targets two villages, Wadapally and Damaracherla, within Damaracherla Mandal, and involves approximately 15.892 acres of land, comprising both Patta Agriculture Land and Lavuni Patta Assigned Land, as well as some government land. The notification came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette on February 10, 2025.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of railway infrastructure, specifically for passenger and freight facilities, which is deemed a public purpose. The Railways Act, 1989, provides the statutory framework for such acquisitions, ensuring that due process is followed. The notification addresses the practical necessity of acquiring private and government land to implement critical railway development projects. It outlines the mechanism for individuals affected by the proposed acquisition to raise objections. Any person interested in the said land is granted a period of thirty days from the date of the notification's publication to submit objections to the acquisition and use of the land. These objections must be made in writing to the Competent Authority, identified as the Sub-Collector, Miryalaguda, Nalgonda District, and must clearly state the grounds for objection. The Competent Authority is mandated to provide the objector an opportunity of being heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner, before making a final decision to allow or disallow the objections. The legislation provided: “Any order made by the Competent Authority under sub section (2) of section 20(D) of the said act shall be final.” This provision ensures a conclusive resolution to the objection process. Furthermore, the notification ensures transparency by stating that land plans and other relevant details are available for inspection by interested persons at the office of the Competent Authority. This process is crucial for the timely execution of special railway projects, which are vital for improving connectivity and economic development.

Keywords: Railways Act 1989, land acquisition, railway project, Telangana, Nalgonda District, Motamarri, Vishnupuram, railway doubling, public purpose, notification

Geo Tags: India, Telangana
District: Nalgonda