Railways Ministry Notifies Intent to Acquire Land for Road Over Bridge in Raichur

The Ministry of Railways, through its South Central Railway division, issued Notification S.O. 5749(E) on December 11, 2025, declaring its intention to acquire land for a significant railway infrastructure project. This notification, published in the Official Gazette, came into force upon its publication. The Central Government, exercising powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 20A of the Railways Act, 1989 (Act 24 of 1989), determined that the land was required for a public purpose. Specifically, the land is designated for the "Construction of Road Over Bridge in Lieu of Level Crossing (LC) No. 213 at Km.547/4-5 at Matmari station yard in Matmari Village of Raichur Taluka in Raichur District in the State of Karnataka." This project is identified as a Special Railway Project aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

The notification outlines a clear process for individuals interested in the affected land. Any person may raise an objection to the proposed acquisition and use of the land within a period of thirty days from the date of the notification's publication. Such objections must be submitted in writing to the designated Competent Authority, identified as the Assistant Commissioner, Raichur, 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. Following the hearing of all objections and any necessary further inquiry, the Competent Authority will issue an order either allowing or disallowing the objections. The notification specifies that any order made by the Competent Authority under sub-section (2) of Section 20-D of the Railways Act, 1989, shall be final. Detailed land plans and other relevant information concerning the land under this notification are available for inspection by interested persons at the office of the Competent Authority. The schedule annexed to the notification provides a brief description of the lands intended for acquisition, including survey numbers, extent of area in acres and hectares, and land type, primarily private dry land in Matmari Village.

The legislative intent behind this notification aligns with the broader policy rationale of modernizing India's railway infrastructure and enhancing public safety. The construction of a Road Over Bridge (a bridge carrying a road over a railway line) in place of a Level Crossing (a point where a railway line crosses a road at the same level) is a critical measure to prevent accidents and ensure smoother traffic flow, both for rail and road users. The Railways Act, 1989, provides the statutory framework for such land acquisitions, ensuring that while land is acquired for public utility, due process is followed, and affected parties have a mechanism to voice their concerns. The legislation provided: “…the Central Government after being satisfied that for the public purpose, the land…is required for the execution of The Special Railway Project namely, Construction of Road Over Bridge in Lieu of Level Crossing (LC) No. 213 at Km.547/4-5 at Matmari station yard in Matmari Village of Raichur Taluka in Raichur District in the State of Karnataka, hereby declares its intention to acquire such land.” This provision underscores the government's commitment to infrastructure development for societal benefit. The 30-day timeline for objections and the subsequent hearing process by the Assistant Commissioner, Raichur, serve as key enforcement mechanisms, ensuring transparency and fairness in the land acquisition process as stipulated by the Act. This notification does not introduce amendments to existing laws but rather implements the established provisions of the Railways Act, 1989, to facilitate a specific public infrastructure project.

Keywords: Railways Act 1989, land acquisition, Road Over Bridge, Matmari, Raichur, Karnataka, Ministry of Railways, public purpose, infrastructure project, Level Crossing
Geo Tags: India, Karnataka
District: Raichur