7A RAIGARH

## Policy Analysis Report: South East Central Railway Notification (May 16, 2025) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Railways, South East Central Railway, dated May 16, 2025. This notification, identified as S.O. 2217(E), designates a Competent Authority to perform functions related to land acquisition for the Naya Raipur Parmalkasa 5th and 6th line Special Railway Project in Chhattisgarh. The core purpose is to authorize the Sub-Divisional Officer Kharsia Revenue, Kharsia Raigarh District as the Competent Authority for a specific segment of the project. The key finding is the delegation of authority to a local official to expedite land acquisition. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the Ministry of Railways notification S.O. 2217(E), published in the Gazette of India on May 19, 2025. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a **New Policy** establishing a competent authority for a specific task within the specified railway project. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective of this notification is to authorize the Sub-Divisional Officer Kharsia Revenue, Kharsia Raigarh District as the Competent Authority to perform functions related to the Naya Raipur Parmalkasa 5th and 6th line Special Railway Project, specifically concerning the 278 Km segment. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification likely addresses the need for efficient land acquisition for the Naya Raipur Parmalkasa 5th and 6th line railway project. Designating a specific Competent Authority at the local level (Sub-Divisional Officer) suggests a desire to streamline the land acquisition process by empowering a local official familiar with the area and relevant regulations. The railway project's need for timely land access appears to be driving this delegation. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy so the focus is on detailing the main components: * The notification designates the **Sub-Divisional Officer Kharsia Revenue, Kharsia Raigarh District** as the **Competent Authority**. * The authority is granted in exercise of power conferred by **clause 7A of section 2 of the Railway Act, 1989 (24 of 1989)**. * The authority applies to the **Naya Raipur Parmalkasa 5th and 6th line Special Railway Project** within the state of **Chhattisgarh**, specifically regarding the **278 Km** segment located in **Kharsia Raigarh District**. * The authority is effective from the date of publication of the notification in the official Gazette (May 19, 2025). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * The **Sub-Divisional Officer Kharsia Revenue, Kharsia Raigarh District**, who assumes the responsibilities of the Competent Authority. * The **South East Central Railway** and its personnel involved in the Naya Raipur Parmalkasa 5th and 6th line Special Railway Project. * **Landowners** and residents within the 278 Km segment of the project area in Kharsia Raigarh District, Chhattisgarh, as they will be directly affected by land acquisition decisions made by the Competent Authority. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** Ministry of Railways, South East Central Railway, Sub-Divisional Officer Kharsia Revenue, Kharsia Raigarh District. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification does not explicitly define timelines or procedures. However, it implies an immediate implementation, as the authority is effective from the date of publication. Procedures for land acquisition would likely follow established regulations and guidelines under the Railway Act, 1989 and other relevant legislation. The reference to clause 7A of section 2 of the Railway Act, 1989 suggests this act provides the framework for the Competent Authority's actions. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome is likely to expedite the land acquisition process for the Naya Raipur Parmalkasa 5th and 6th line Special Railway Project within the specified segment. By delegating authority to a local official, the project aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and facilitate smoother coordination with local communities and landowners. This, in turn, should contribute to the timely completion of the railway project. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Railways notification S.O. 2217(E) is a targeted measure designed to improve the efficiency of land acquisition for a specific segment of the Naya Raipur Parmalkasa 5th and 6th line Special Railway Project. The delegation of authority to the Sub-Divisional Officer Kharsia Revenue, Kharsia Raigarh District is a crucial step toward streamlining the process and achieving project goals. This notification highlights the government's focus on infrastructure development and its commitment to addressing potential bottlenecks in project implementation.

Key Entities Referenced