Railways Ministry Notifies Land Acquisition for Mudkhed-Dhone Doubling Project in Telangana

The Ministry of Railways (South Central Railway) issued a Notification, S.O. 1064(E), on February 28, 2025, declaring its intention to acquire land for the Mudkhed - Dhone Doubling Special Railway Project in Nizamabad district, Telangana. This delegated legislation, published in the Gazette of India, came into force upon its publication, initiating a thirty-day period for objections from interested parties. The Central Government, exercising powers conferred by sub-section (I) of section 20A of the Railways Act, 1989 (24 of 1989), determined that the land was required for a public purpose, specifically for the execution of this crucial railway infrastructure project. The notification detailed the specific parcels of land, including those with existing structures, across villages such as Indalwai, Nadipally, and Bardipur, within the Indalwai and Dichpally Mandals of Nizamabad district. The acquired land is intended for the doubling of the track between the Mudkhed and Dhone sections, aimed at enhancing both passenger and freight facilities.

Any person with an interest in the identified land was granted a period of thirty days from the notification's publication date to raise objections to the proposed acquisition and use of the land, as per sub-section (1) of section 20D of the Railways Act, 1989. Such objections were required to be submitted in writing to the competent authority, identified as the Land Acquisition Officer Revenue Divisional Officer, Nizamabad, clearly stating 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 would issue an order either allowing or disallowing the objections. The legislation provided: “In exercise of the power conferred by sub-section (I) of section 20A of the Railways Act, 1989 (24 of 1989) (hereafter referred as in as the said Act), Central Government after being satisfied that for the public purpose, the land, the brief description of which is given in the schedule annexed hereto, is required for execution of the Special Railway Project, Mudkhed - Dhone Doubling in Nizamabad district in the state of Telangana, hereby declares its intention to acquire such land”. Any order subsequently made by the competent authority under sub-section (II) of section 20D of the said Act would be considered final. Further details, including land plans, were made available for inspection by interested persons at the office of the competent authority.

The legislative intent behind this notification was to facilitate the expansion and modernization of India's railway network, specifically addressing the need for increased capacity and efficiency on the Mudkhed-Dhone section. The Railways Act, 1989, provides the statutory framework for such acquisitions, ensuring that land required for public projects, like railway development, can be procured through a defined legal process. This particular notification aimed to overcome potential limitations in existing single-track infrastructure by introducing a doubling track, thereby improving operational capabilities for both passenger and freight services. The process outlined in the notification, including the provision for objections and hearings, ensures adherence to principles of natural justice while advancing critical public infrastructure. This mechanism allows for the acquisition of land for public works while providing a statutory avenue for affected individuals to voice their concerns, which are then adjudicated by a designated authority. The doubling of railway tracks is a common strategy to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times, directly contributing to economic development and improved logistics.

Keywords: Land Acquisition, Railways Act 1989, Mudkhed Dhone Doubling, Nizamabad, Telangana, Railway Project, Public Purpose, Notification, Ministry of Railways, Land Acquisition Officer

Geo Tags: India, Telangana
District: Nizamabad