Central Government Notifies Special Railway Project for Road Over Bridge in Annamayya District

The Ministry of Railways, through its South Central Railway division, issued Notification S.O. 4180(E) on September 10, 2024, formally published in the Gazette of India on September 24, 2024. This notification, issued in exercise of powers conferred by clause (37A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989, designates the construction of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) as a Special Railway Project. The project specifically involves replacing Level Crossing (LC) No. 85 at Kilometer 178/7-9 between Koduru and Anantarajupet stations. This designation is crucial for facilitating the acquisition of land required for the project in the Annamayya District of Andhra Pradesh, underscoring its purpose of providing national infrastructure for public benefit. The notification came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to enable the efficient and timely execution of critical railway infrastructure projects. The Railways Act, 1989, provides the statutory framework for the construction, maintenance, and operation of railways, including provisions for land acquisition. By declaring the Road Over Bridge construction as a "Special Railway Project," the Central Government leverages specific provisions within the Act that streamline the land acquisition process for projects deemed to be of national importance and for a public purpose. This approach addresses potential delays and complexities that might arise in standard land acquisition procedures, ensuring that essential infrastructure development is not hampered. The project aims to enhance safety by eliminating a level crossing, which are often points of congestion and accidents, thereby improving the flow of both rail and road traffic. The legislation provided: “…Construction of Road Over Bridge in lieu of LC No. 85 at Km.178/7-9 between Koduru - Anantarajupet stations as a Special Railway Project for acquisition of land in the State of Andhra Pradesh in the District of Annamayya for providing National Infrastructure for a public purpose…” This action reflects a broader policy rationale to modernize railway infrastructure across the country, ensuring safer and more efficient transportation networks. The notification effectively sets the stage for the commencement of land acquisition proceedings, which will directly impact landowners in the specified area of Annamayya District, as their properties will be acquired for the public purpose of constructing the Road Over Bridge.

Keywords: Railways Act, 1989, Road Over Bridge, land acquisition, Special Railway Project, Annamayya, Andhra Pradesh, South Central Railway, infrastructure, public purpose

Geo Tags: India, Andhra Pradesh District: Annamayya