Central Government Notifies Road Over Bridge as Special Railway Project for Land Acquisition

The Ministry of Railways (South Central Railway) issued a notification, S.O.409(E), on December 12, 2024, which was subsequently published in the Gazette of India on January 22, 2025. This official instrument designated the construction of a specific Road Over Bridge as a Special Railway Project, enabling the acquisition of land for its development. The notification came into force with effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. The primary purpose articulated for this declaration was the provision of National Infrastructure for a public purpose.

The notification specifically identified the construction of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) in lieu of Level Crossing No. 407, situated at Kilometer 593/32-34 between Kadiyam and Dwarapudi railway stations. This project is located within the State of Andhra Pradesh, specifically in the District of East Godavari. The Central Government exercised powers conferred by clause (37A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989, to issue this notification, thereby initiating the process for land acquisition necessary for the project. The legislation provided: “…the Central Government hereby notifies Construction of Road Over Bridge in lieu of Level Crossing No. 407 at Km. 593/32-34 in between Kadiyam- Dwarapudi stations as a Special Railway Project for acquisition of land in the State of Andhra Pradesh in the District of East Godavari for providing National Infrastructure for a public purpose…” This declaration is a crucial step in advancing railway infrastructure projects that require land acquisition, impacting landowners and local communities in the specified region.

The legislative intent behind such notifications is to facilitate the timely and efficient development of critical national infrastructure, particularly within the railway sector. The policy rationale underscores the importance of enhancing safety and operational efficiency by replacing existing level crossings, which often pose risks and cause traffic congestion, with Road Over Bridges. The Railways Act, 1989, provides the statutory framework, specifically through Section 2, clause (37A), which empowers the Central Government to classify certain projects as "Special Railway Projects." This classification streamlines the land acquisition process, ensuring that projects deemed vital for public purpose and national infrastructure development can proceed without undue delays. The notification addresses the practical challenges associated with expanding and modernizing the railway network, aiming to improve connectivity and reduce accidents at railway crossings. By leveraging existing legal provisions, the government seeks to bridge statutory gaps that might otherwise impede the swift execution of such large-scale public works. While the notification itself does not introduce new rights or obligations beyond enabling the land acquisition process, it sets in motion the mechanisms for acquiring land under the relevant laws applicable to Special Railway Projects, thereby contributing to the broader goal of a robust and safe national transportation system.

Keywords: Railways Act, Road Over Bridge, Level Crossing, Special Railway Project, Land Acquisition, National Infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh, East Godavari, Ministry of Railways

Geo Tags: India, Andhra Pradesh District: East Godavari