7A Gazette Notification for CALA of Gumani to Malda Town 3rd and 4th line incluidng bridge over river Ganga at New Farakka as Special Railway Project for land acquisition in Murshidabad and Malda Districts in the state of West Bengal

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Railways issued a notification on May 29, 2026, authorizing a Competent Authority for a specific railway project in West Bengal. Effective from its publication on June 1, 2026, the order empowers the designated official to oversee land acquisition, execution, and management under the Railways Act, 1989. The primary objective is to facilitate the development of the "Gumani to Malda Town 3rd & 4th Line" as a Special Railway Project. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Legal Framework and Authorization** * The notification is issued under Clause (7A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989 (amended in 2008). * The Central Government officially authorizes the designated officer to perform functions of the Competent Authority. * The authorization is effective from June 1, 2026, the date of publication in the Official Gazette. * **Project Specifications** * Project Name: “Gumani to Malda Town 3rd & 4th Line including bridge over river Ganga at New Farakka.” * Status: Designated as a “Special Railway Project” specifically for land acquisition. * Geographic Scope: Murshidabad and Malda Districts in the state of West Bengal. * **Administrative Appointments** * Designated Authority: Additional District Magistrate (Land Acquisition), Murshidabad & Malda. * Scope of Duties: Responsibility for the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of the project within West Bengal. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Additional District Magistrate (LA), Murshidabad & Malda** **Impact** This official is legally vested with the powers of the Competent Authority for the designated railway project. They are now responsible for the legal and administrative oversight of land acquisition and project management in their jurisdiction. **Action Required** The officer must perform the statutory functions required for the execution, maintenance, and operation of the 3rd and 4th lines and the Ganga river bridge project. **Stakeholder: Ministry of Railways (Eastern Railway Construction Department)** **Impact** The department gains a localized Competent Authority to streamline the land acquisition process and project execution for the "Special Railway Project." **Action Required** Coordinate with the authorized Additional District Magistrate to facilitate project timelines and resource management. **Stakeholder: Landowners in Murshidabad and Malda Districts** **Impact** Properties located within the project's path are subject to acquisition proceedings overseen by the newly authorized Competent Authority. **Action Required** Impacted parties must direct all inquiries, claims, and correspondence regarding land acquisition for this specific rail project to the Additional District Magistrate (LA).

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