Central Government Notifies Land Acquisition for Parli-Parbhani Railway Doubling Project in Maharashtra

The Ministry of Railways (South Central Railway) issued a Notification, S.O. 1715(E), on April 15, 2025, declaring the acquisition of specific land parcels for the Parli - Parbhani Doubling Special Railway Project in Parbhani District, Maharashtra. This declaration follows an earlier notification, S.O. 1720(E) dated April 16, 2024, which initially conveyed the Central Government's intention to acquire land under sub-section (1) of section 20(A) of the Railway Act, 1989 (24 of 1989). The substance of the initial notification was subsequently published in local daily newspapers, including "Lokmat Samachar," "Lokmat Times," and "Lokmat," on May 21 and May 22, 2024, as required by sub-section (4) of section 20A of the Act. No objections were received from Gangakhed village, where the land is situated, leading the Competent Authority to pass necessary orders. Following the submission of the Competent Authority's report to the Central Government, as mandated by sub-section (1) of section 20E of the said Act, the final declaration of acquisition has been made. Upon publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, the specified land will vest absolutely in the Central Government, free from all encumbrances (legal claims or liabilities).

The legislative intent behind this notification is to facilitate the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of the Parli - Parbhani Doubling Special Railway Project, a critical infrastructure development. The Railway Act, 1989, provides the statutory framework for such acquisitions, ensuring a structured process for land procurement necessary for railway expansion. This particular action addresses the need for land to expand railway capacity, thereby improving connectivity and operational efficiency in the region. The process outlined in the Act, from the initial declaration of intent to the final vesting of land, ensures that due procedure is followed, including public notification and the opportunity for objections. 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, 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.” The schedule appended to the notification details various land parcels in Gangakhed village, including survey numbers, landholder names, total area, acquisition area, and existing assets such as wells, borewells, houses, tin sheds, and various trees, indicating the specific impact on individual properties. This detailed enumeration underscores the precision with which land acquisition is being carried out for the project.

Keywords: Railway Act 1989, Land Acquisition, Parli-Parbhani Doubling, Maharashtra, Parbhani District, Ministry of Railways, Special Railway Project, Notification, Government of India

Geo Tags: India, Maharashtra
District: Parbhani