Central Government Notifies Land Acquisition for Railway Over Bridge Project in Uttar Pradesh

The Ministry of Railways has issued a Notification, S.O. 1843(E), dated April 15, 2025, and published in the Official Gazette on April 24, 2025, declaring its intention to acquire land for a special Railway Project in Uttar Pradesh. This notification, issued under the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of clause 20A of section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989 (24 of 1989), as amended by the Railways Amendment Act, 2008 (11 of 2008), outlines the process for the acquisition of land necessary for the construction of a two-lane Road Over Bridge (ROB) in lieu of Level Crossing No. 88. The project is situated at km 1045/11-13 between Bhaupur and Maitha Railway stations within the Prayagraj Division, specifically affecting villages Raipalpur and Bhatuamau in Tahsil Maitha, District Kanpur Dehat. The notification came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

The primary objective of this legislative action is to facilitate critical railway infrastructure development by enabling the acquisition of land for the aforementioned Road Over Bridge. The construction of this ROB is deemed a public purpose, aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency by replacing an existing level crossing. The notification details the procedure for individuals interested in the affected land to raise objections to its acquisition. Any person with an interest in the land may submit an objection within a period of thirty days from the date of the notification's publication in the Official Gazette. Such objections must be made in writing to the designated competent authority, identified as the Additional District Magistrate (L.A.), Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, and must clearly state the grounds for objection. The competent authority is mandated to provide the objector an opportunity to be heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner, and may conduct further inquiry before deciding to allow or disallow the objections. The decision rendered by the competent authority under sub-section (2) of section 20D of the said Act is stipulated as final. The land plans and other pertinent details related to the land covered by this notification are available for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to streamline the process of land acquisition for vital railway projects, ensuring that public infrastructure development, such as the construction of Road Over Bridges, can proceed efficiently. The Railways Act, 1989, and its 2008 amendment provide the statutory framework for such acquisitions, balancing the public need for infrastructure with the rights of landowners. The notification addresses the practical necessity of acquiring specific parcels of land, totaling approximately 1.6582 hectares across villages Raipalpur and Bhatuamau, for the construction of the two-lane ROB. This project is a direct response to the need for improved connectivity and safety along the railway network. The legislation provided: “the Central Government after being satisfied that for the public purpose the land the brief description of which has been given in the schedule Annexed hereto is required for the purpose of execution of special Railway Project namely, Construction of two lane ROB in lieu of L-Xing No.88... hereby declares its intention to acquire such land”. This provision underscores the government's commitment to infrastructure development through a legally defined process, including mechanisms for public input and redressal through the objection process.

Keywords: Railway land acquisition, Road Over Bridge, Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh, Railways Act, infrastructure project, public purpose, land acquisition notification

Geo Tags: India, Uttar Pradesh
District: Kanpur Dehat