20E

## Report on Railway Land Acquisition Notification **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a government notification (S.O. 1809E) regarding the acquisition of land for a railway project. The notification, dated April 21, 2025, declares the central government's intention to acquire land for the upgrade of the existing 1x25KV Traction System to 2x25KV OHE (Overhead Equipment) with AT feeder arrangement over SEC (South East Central) Railway. The land acquisition is deemed necessary to meet a 3000MT loading target in the state of Chhattisgarh. This report provides an overview of the notification, outlines its objectives, details the affected parties and land, and infers aspects of its implementation and intended outcomes based solely on the provided text. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of the provided government notification, identified as S.O. 1809E, concerning land acquisition for a specific railway project. The analysis is based exclusively on the information contained within the text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification pertains to a *new* policy. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as stated in the notification, is 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 Raipur-Lakholi sections over SEC Railway to meet 3000MT loading target in the state of Chhattisgarh over SEC railway." This can be further inferred as an attempt to improve railway infrastructure and increase freight capacity. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is a new policy notification. The problem it addresses can be inferred from the context. The notification suggests that the existing railway infrastructure (1x25KV Traction System) is insufficient to meet the target of 3000MT loading. Therefore, the policy aims to upgrade the traction system to 2x25KV OHE to enhance the railway's capacity and efficiency. The need for land acquisition arises from the infrastructural changes required for this upgrade. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a notification for a new policy: * **Land Acquisition Declaration:** The core provision is the declaration by the central government that the lands specified in the schedule annexed to the notification "shall be acquired for the aforesaid purpose." * **Vesting of Land:** The notification further 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 indicates that upon publication, the government will take full ownership of the designated land, cleared of any legal claims or debts. * **Project Specification:** The notification clearly specifies that the acquired land is for "Upgradation of existing 1x25KV Traction System to 2x25KV OHE with AT feeder arrangement between" several railway sections, implying a large-scale infrastructure development project. * **Legal Basis:** The notification references Section 20E of the Railway Act, 1989, providing the legal authority for the land acquisition. It also notes that procedures outlined in Section 20A (related to notification and objections) and 20D (related to disposition of objections) of the Act have been followed. * **Publication Details:** The notification mentions prior publication of the intention to acquire the land in newspapers (Navbharat Hindi, Dainik Bhaskar Hindi, Bilaspur Edition on 15.02.2025 and Times of India English Raipur Edition on 15.02.2025) under Section 20A. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the following are directly affected: * **Landowners:** Specifically, the landowners whose property is listed in the schedule attached to the notification. The identified landowners include Gaurishankar mahadev mandir Trust and Bhagwat Chaitram. * **South East Central Railway (SECR):** As the organization responsible for the railway lines subject to the upgrade, SECR is a key stakeholder. * **Residents of the Affected Areas:** The upgrade of the railway lines will likely impact residents living near the Jharsugda-Raigarh, Raigarh-Champa, Champa-Bilaspur, Tilda-Bilaspur, Tilda-Durg, Mundikota-Nagpur, Bilaspur-Pendra Road-Anuppur and Raipur-Lakholi railway sections. * **Freight Companies using SEC Railway**: Beneficiaries of the increase in 3000MT loading target. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * **Ministry of Railways:** The notification originates from the Ministry of Railways, indicating its overall responsibility for the project. * **Central Government:** The Central Government is the acquiring body for the land. * **South East Central Railway (SECR):** Likely responsible for executing the infrastructure upgrade. * **Competent Authority:** The competent authority, as defined by the Railway Act, is responsible for land acquisition activities * **Timelines/Procedures:** * The notification references a previous notification (S.O. 559 A, dated the 31 January 2025). * Publication in the official Gazette triggers the vesting of land in the Central Government. * Objections were to be received and disposed of by the Competent Authority. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this policy, based on the stated provisions, are: * **Improved Railway Infrastructure:** The upgrade to a 2x25KV OHE system is intended to modernize and improve the railway infrastructure. * **Increased Freight Capacity:** Achieving the 3000MT loading target suggests a significant increase in the railway's freight capacity. * **Enhanced Efficiency:** The upgrade should improve the overall efficiency of railway operations in the specified sections. * **Economic Benefits:** Increased freight capacity could lead to economic benefits for the state of Chhattisgarh and the surrounding regions. * **Displacement:** Direct landowners are negatively impacted by displacement due to land acquisition. **9. Conclusion:** The government notification S.O. 1809E signifies a key step in upgrading the railway infrastructure within the South East Central Railway zone. By acquiring land for the upgrade of the traction system, the policy aims to increase freight capacity, improve efficiency, and contribute to economic development. The notification's specific provisions outline the process of land acquisition and highlight its legal basis. This policy demonstrates the government's commitment to modernizing railway infrastructure to meet growing transportation demands and support economic growth.

Key Entities Referenced