For Publication in the Gazette of India under section 2 clause 7A of Railways amendment Act 2008 for the Special Railway Project Doubling between Katra to Ayodhya Dham station Doubling project within the District Gonda in the State of Uttar Pradesh

**Executive Summary** This notification, issued by the Ministry of Railways on June 1, 2026, authorizes the Special Land Acquisition Officer in Gonda as the "Competent Authority" for the "Doubling between Katra-Ayodhya Dham station" special railway project. Under the Railways Act, 1989, this officer is empowered to perform functions related to the project's execution, maintenance, management, and operation. The authorization is effective immediately from the date of publication in the official Gazette. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Legal Framework and Authority** * The notification is issued in exercise of powers conferred by clause (7A) of section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989. * The Central Government officially designates the specific officer to act as the "Competent Authority" under the Act. * **Project Scope** * The project is classified as a "Special Railway Project." * The specific scope of work is the "Doubling between Katra-Ayodhya Dham station." * **Jurisdiction and Appointed Official** * **Designated Officer:** Special Land Acquisition Officer, Gonda. * **District:** Gonda. * **State:** Uttar Pradesh. * **Functional Responsibilities** * The Competent Authority is authorized to oversee the public purposes of the project. * Responsibilities include the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of the designated special railway project. **Impact Analysis** **Special Land Acquisition Officer, Gonda** **Impact** This official is now legally empowered as the "Competent Authority" for the Katra-Ayodhya Dham doubling project. The officer assumes legal responsibility for project-related administrative functions under the Railways Act, 1989. **Action Required** The officer must perform the duties of the Competent Authority regarding the execution, management, maintenance, and operation of the specific railway project within the Gonda district. **Ministry of Railways / North Eastern Railway (Construction Organization)** **Impact** The Ministry has formally delegated local oversight and administrative authority to a specific district official to facilitate project progress. **Action Required** The organization must coordinate with the newly designated Competent Authority for the necessary public purpose activities related to the doubling of the Katra-Ayodhya Dham line. **General Public and Stakeholders in Gonda District** **Impact** Individuals affected by the "Doubling between Katra-Ayodhya Dham station" project are now subject to the administrative jurisdiction of the Special Land Acquisition Officer, Gonda. **Action Required** Stakeholders must direct all formal communications, claims, or inquiries regarding the project's execution and land management to the designated Special Land Acquisition Officer.

Key Entities Referenced