37A 338

## Report on Special Railway Project Notification: S.O. 2750(E) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 2750(E)) issued by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, designating a specific railway project in Chhattisgarh as a "Special Railway Project." The project involves the construction of a Railway Under Bridge (RUB) in lieu of a manned level crossing (LC) on the Bilaspur Division. This designation aims to facilitate the project's execution by providing national infrastructure for a public purpose. The key finding is that this notification streamlines the project, likely accelerating land acquisition and potentially other regulatory processes, thereby improving railway infrastructure in the region. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the Ministry of Railways' Notification S.O. 2750(E), as published in the Gazette of India. This analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a *new* policy designating a specific railway project as a Special Railway Project. * **Core Objective:** To facilitate the construction of a Railway Under Bridge (RUB) by designating it as a "Special Railway Project" to provide national infrastructure for a public purpose in the State of Chhattisgarh. This designation appears intended to expedite the project's completion. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Inferred Problem/Issue:** The notification suggests that the existing manned Level Crossing (LC) No. 338 at Km.6661820 on the JSGBSP section is being replaced by an RUB. This likely addresses issues related to safety, traffic congestion, and the efficiency of railway operations. The designation as a Special Railway Project likely aims to expedite the project by streamlining bureaucratic processes, potentially including land acquisition and environmental clearances. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Main Components/Rules:** The core provision of this notification is the designation of the construction of an RUB in lieu of manned LC No. 338 at Km.6661820 in CHAMPA YARD on JSGBSP section of the Bilaspur Division as a "Special Railway Project." This designation is enacted under the authority granted by clause 37A of section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989 (24 of 1989). The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette. The project is identified as falling under the Bilaspur Division. The project is for Construction of RUB by Open Cut Cover method. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * **South East Central Railway (S.E.C. Railway):** Specifically, the Bilaspur Division, which is responsible for the project's execution. * **Residents and Commuters in the Champa Yard/JSGBSP section:** Who will benefit from improved safety and reduced traffic congestion once the RUB is completed. * **Railway Contractors and Suppliers:** Who may be involved in the construction of the RUB. * **Landowners in the vicinity of the project site:** Who may be affected by land acquisition. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Railways, specifically the S.E.C. Railway, Bilaspur Division. The Chief Administrative Officer (CRSP) is also mentioned, likely involved in overseeing the project. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of publication. No specific timelines are mentioned in the provided text regarding the completion of the RUB construction. The phrase "land acquisition" suggests that land procurement is a necessary step in the project's implementation. * The project will utilize the Open Cut Cover method. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of designating this project as a "Special Railway Project" are: * **Expedited Project Completion:** Streamlined approvals and potentially faster land acquisition due to the special project status. * **Improved Railway Safety:** Replacing a manned level crossing with an RUB will significantly reduce the risk of accidents. * **Reduced Traffic Congestion:** The RUB will eliminate delays caused by train crossings, improving traffic flow for road users. * **Enhanced Railway Efficiency:** The removal of the level crossing will contribute to smoother and more efficient railway operations. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Railways' Notification S.O. 2750(E) designates the construction of an RUB on the Bilaspur Division as a "Special Railway Project." This designation, made under the Railways Act of 1989, aims to expedite the project's execution by providing national infrastructure for public purpose. The project is expected to improve railway safety, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the efficiency of railway operations in the region. The prompt and effective implementation of this notification is crucial for realizing these benefits.

Key Entities Referenced