Ministry of Railways Notifies Land Acquisition for Aurangabad Ankai Doubling Project

The Ministry of Railways (South Central Railway) issued Notification S.O. 635(E) on February 5, 2025, formally declaring the acquisition of land for the Aurangabad Ankai Doubling project in Maharashtra. This notification, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, section 3 Sub-section (ii) on February 6, 2025, marks a crucial step in the development of this Special Railway Project. The Central Government had previously declared its intention to acquire land for the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of this project through Notification S.O. 563(E) dated February 7, 2024, issued under sub-section (1) of section 20(A) of the Railway Act, 1989 (24 of 1989). The substance of this initial notification was subsequently published in daily newspapers, including Punya Nagri, Lokmat Times, and Lokmat Samachar, on February 13, 2024, in compliance with sub-section (4) of section 20A of the said Act. Following this, objections were received from residents in Harsul Fatiyabaad villages, which were duly considered by the Competent Authority (an official empowered by law to handle land acquisition matters), leading to the issuance of appropriate orders. No objections were raised by residents in Talesamand Daygaon villages, where orders were also passed. In pursuance of sub-section (1) of section 20(E) of the Railway Act, the Competent Authority submitted its report to the Central Government, paving the way for the current declaration. The lands specified in the annexed schedule, located in Harsul, Talesaman, Fatiyabad, and Daigaon villages of Aurangabad District, Maharashtra, are now officially declared for acquisition. The notification further stipulates that upon its publication in the Official Gazette, the acquired land shall vest absolutely in the Central Government, free from all encumbrances (meaning without any claims, charges, or liabilities from previous owners).

The legislative intent behind this notification is to facilitate the timely and efficient development of critical railway infrastructure, specifically the doubling of the railway line between Aurangabad and Ankai. This action addresses the need for enhanced rail connectivity and capacity in the region, which is vital for economic growth and public convenience. The process, initiated under the Railway Act, 1989, ensures a structured approach to land acquisition for public utility projects. The earlier legal position involved a preliminary declaration of intent and a period for public objections, allowing affected parties to voice concerns. This notification signifies the culmination of that process, confirming the acquisition after due consideration of all inputs. 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.” This mechanism ensures that once the land is acquired, it becomes unencumbered, allowing the railway project to proceed without legal impediments related to land ownership. The detailed schedule appended to the notification provides a brief description of the land parcels, including survey numbers, land holders, total area, acquisition area, and existing assets such as wells, borewells, constructions, and trees, ensuring transparency and precision in the acquisition process.

Keywords: Railway Act 1989, Land Acquisition, Aurangabad Ankai Doubling Project, Ministry of Railways, Maharashtra, Infrastructure Development, Official Gazette, Central Government, Special Railway Project

Geo Tags: Country: India
State: Maharashtra
District: Aurangabad