20A

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for Railway Upgradation Project **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Railways regarding land acquisition for a Special Railway Project. The core purpose of the project, as stated in the notification, is the upgradation of the existing 1x25KV Traction System to a 2x25KV OHE (Overhead Equipment) with AT (Auto Transformer) feeder arrangement across several railway sections. The report details the affected areas, the process for objection, and the responsible authorities. The key finding is the government's intent to acquire land for this project to meet a 3000MT loading target and improve railway infrastructure in the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of a recent government notification regarding land acquisition for a Special Railway Project. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification, focusing on the objectives, key provisions, and implications for affected stakeholders. **3. Policy Overview:** This appears to be a *new policy action* within the framework of the Railway Act, 1989, not an amendment. * **Core Objective(s):** The primary objective is the upgradation of the existing 1x25KV Traction System to 2x25KV OHE with AT feeder arrangement between Jharsugda-Raigarh, Raigarh-Champa, Champa-Bilaspur, Tilda-Bilaspur, Tilda-Durg, Mundikota-Nagpur, Bilaspur-Pendra Road-Anuppur, and Raipur-Lakholi sections over SEC (South East Central) Railway. This upgrade is intended to meet a 3000MT loading target in the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is a new policy action. The notification suggests that the existing 1x25KV traction system is insufficient to meet the required loading target (3000MT) on the specified SEC Railway sections. Upgrading to a 2x25KV OHE system is intended to enhance the railway's capacity and efficiency to handle increased freight traffic. This reflects a need for improved railway infrastructure to support economic activity in Chhattisgarh and Odisha. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** As a new policy action this details the main components of the land aquisition. The notification establishes the Central Government's intention to acquire land for the specified railway project under the Railway Act, 1989. * **Land Acquisition Declaration:** The government declares its intention to acquire land for the Upgradation of existing 1x25KV Traction System to 2x25KV OHE with AT feeder arrangement between Jharsugda-Raigarh, Raigarh-Champa, Champa-Bilaspur, Tilda-Bilaspur, Tilda-Durg, Mundikota-Nagpur, Bilaspur-Pendra Road-Anuppur, and Raipur-Lakholi sections over SEC Railway to meet 3000MT loading target in the state of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. * **Objection Process:** Individuals interested in the land have 30 days from the notification's publication date (April 24, 2025, as indicated in the document) to raise objections to the acquisition. * **Competent Authority:** Objections must be submitted in writing to the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Revenue Kota, Chhattisgarh. * **Hearing and Enquiry:** The SDM is required to provide objectors with an opportunity to be heard, either personally or through a legal practitioner, and may conduct further inquiries. * **Final Order:** The decision made by the SDM regarding the objections is final. * **Land Plan Availability:** Land plans and details related to the acquisition are available for inspection at the SDM's office. * **Specific Land Detail:** Land in Bilaspur is explicitly stated to be acquired. * **SDM and Village specifics:** In the district of Bilaspur, the land is in the Tehsil of Kota, Village of Karhi Kachhar. The SDM listed is Distt; Bilaspur Kachhar, with the patwari rev. halka listed as Tarachand. The land is of nature of Palak, and the ownership is Preadeep Kumar. The land Area proposed for acquistion is 0.64 Hectares. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the notification text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified railway sections in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, particularly the district of Bilaspur, tehsil of Kota, and village of Karhi Kachhar as there land is being considered for acquisition. * **Residents:** Communities residing in the vicinity of the proposed railway upgradation project. * **Local Authorities:** Sub Divisional Magistrate Revenue Kota, Chhattisgarh (the competent authority). * **SEC Railway (South East Central Railway):** The railway zone responsible for the project's execution. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Central Government, through the Ministry of Railways, is ultimately responsible. The SEC Railway will likely be the implementing agency. The Sub Divisional Magistrate Revenue Kota, Chhattisgarh is the competent authority for handling objections. * **Timeline:** A 30-day window is provided for landowners to raise objections. * **Procedure:** The notification outlines a procedure for raising objections, including submission to the competent authority, an opportunity for a hearing, and a final order by the SDM. * **Land Inspection:** The affected Industry are encouraged to inspect land plans and details at the SDM's office in order to inform their decisions. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of this policy action are: * **Increased Railway Capacity:** The upgradation of the traction system is expected to increase the railway's capacity to handle heavier loads (3000MT target). * **Improved Efficiency:** The 2x25KV OHE system is likely to enhance the efficiency and reliability of train operations. * **Enhanced Connectivity:** Improved railway infrastructure will enhance connectivity within Chhattisgarh and Odisha. * **Economic Growth:** Increased railway capacity can facilitate the transportation of goods and stimulate economic growth in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The government notification signals a significant investment in railway infrastructure aimed at improving capacity and efficiency in the SEC Railway zone. The land acquisition process outlined in the notification provides a framework for balancing the needs of the railway project with the rights of affected landowners. The successful implementation of this project is crucial for supporting economic growth and enhancing connectivity in Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It is important for all stake holders to monitor the land acquisiton and planning processes to ensure fair land practices.

Key Entities Referenced