20F Gazette Notification in connection with Special Railway project Howrah Division 40 Nos Elimination of level Crossing of DFC route by ROB RUBS on Indian Railway DKAE KAN HBC Chord line for acquisition of land in Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly Districts in the State of West Bengal and Asansol Division 42 Nos Elimination of level crossing in ER DFC route from Khana Pradhankanta for acquisition of land in Purba Bardhaman Paschim Bardhaman District in the State of West Bengal.
Issued by Ministry of Railways · Construction Department
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Railways on 17th August 2026. Classified under Extra Ordinary.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary This notification from the Ministry of Railways, dated July 28, 2026, authorizes the Divisional Commissioner of Burdwan Division to act as the "Arbitrator" for land acquisition matters under the Railways Act, 1989. The authorization concerns the elimination of 82 level crossings across the Howrah and Asansol Divisions in West Bengal for public purpose projects. The order becomes effective upon its publication in the Official Gazette on August 17, 2026.
Key Points / Main Content
Legal Authority and Appointment
- The notification is issued under Sub-Section (6) of Section 20F of the Railways Act, 1989 (as amended in 2008).
- The Central Government officially designates the Divisional Commissioner, Burdwan Division, as the Arbitrator to perform functions related to land acquisition for "Special Railway Projects."
Project Scope: Howrah Division
- Focuses on the elimination of 40 level crossings on the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) route (DKAE-KAN HBC Chord line).
- The project involves the construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs).
- Impacted districts include Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman.
Project Scope: Asansol Division
- Focuses on the elimination of 42 level crossings on the ER+DFC route from Khana to Pradhankanta.
- Impacted districts include Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Bardhaman.
Jurisdiction and Purpose
- The Arbitrator's authority applies strictly to the land acquisition processes for the projects mentioned in the State of West Bengal.
- The projects are classified as being for "public purpose" to improve railway infrastructure and safety.
Impact Analysis
Divisional Commissioner, Burdwan Division Impact Assumes the legal role and responsibilities of the "Arbitrator" for land acquisition disputes and proceedings related to the specified railway projects. Action Required Perform the statutory functions of an Arbitrator as defined under the Railways Act, 1989, effective from the date of the gazette publication.
Landowners and Residents in Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, and Paschim Bardhaman Impact Property owners in these districts are subject to the land acquisition process required for the elimination of 82 level crossings. Action Required Engage with the appointed Arbitrator regarding any legal claims, compensation disputes, or proceedings related to the acquisition of their land for these projects.
Ministry of Railways (Eastern Railway) Impact Gains the necessary legal framework to proceed with the removal of level crossings and the construction of ROBs/RUBs in the specified sections. Action Required Coordinate with the appointed Arbitrator and relevant district authorities to execute the land acquisition and project development phases.