Railways Ministry Notifies Special Project for Road Over Bridge in Andhra Pradesh

The Central Government, through a Notification issued by the Ministry of Railways (South Central Railway) on September 10, 2024, formally designated a significant infrastructure development as a Special Railway Project. This Notification, identified as S.O. 4152(E), was published in the Official Gazette on September 21, 2024, and came into force on that date. The issuance was made in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (37A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989, which empowers the Central Government to declare certain projects as special railway projects for specific purposes, primarily land acquisition. The project involves the construction of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) in lieu of an existing Level Crossing No. 363B, situated at Km. 514/8-10 between Pulla and Chebrolu stations. This crucial development is located in the Eluru District of Andhra Pradesh and is intended to facilitate the provision of national infrastructure for a public purpose. The legislation provided: “In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (37A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989 the Central Government hereby notifies Construction of Road Over Bridge in lieu of Level Crossing No. 363B at Km. 514/8-10 between Pulla - Chebrolu stations as a Special Railway Project for acquisition of land in the State of Andhra Pradesh in the District Eluru for providing National Infrastructure for a public purpose with effect from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette.”

The primary aim of this notification is to streamline the process of land acquisition necessary for the construction of the Road Over Bridge. By declaring the project as a "Special Railway Project," the Central Government invokes specific provisions under the Railways Act, 1989, which govern the acquisition of land for railway purposes. This designation is critical for overcoming potential statutory gaps or limitations that might arise in acquiring land for large-scale public infrastructure projects. The legislative intent is clearly articulated as "providing National Infrastructure for a public purpose," highlighting the policy rationale behind replacing a level crossing with a Road Over Bridge. Such conversions are typically undertaken to enhance safety by eliminating direct crossings of railway tracks, improve traffic flow by reducing delays caused by closed gates, and contribute to the overall efficiency of both road and rail networks. The earlier legal position under the Railways Act, 1989, already provided the framework for such declarations, and this notification specifically applies that framework to the identified project. The designation ensures that the necessary land can be acquired efficiently, enabling the timely completion of the project and contributing to the broader goal of modernizing and expanding India's transportation infrastructure.

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

Geo Tags: India, Andhra Pradesh District: Eluru