Publication of E gazette Notification for Declaration intention to acquire land under Section 20A for proposed construction of Road Over Bridge ROB in lieu of Level Crossing Gate No 93A

## Report on Railway Land Acquisition Policy Amendment for Special Railway Projects **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Railways, Central Railway, regarding an amendment to the Railway Act of 1989. The amendment, enacted under Section 20A, concerns the acquisition of land for a Special Railway Project: the proposed construction of 10 Railway Over Bridges (ROB) or Railway Under Bridges (RUB) in lieu of Level Crossing Gates between Igatpuri-Manmad-Bhusawal-Badnera Section of Bhusawal Division. The amendment clarifies procedures for land acquisition, including public notification, objection processes, and compensation. Key findings include the specification of affected land parcels, the process for filing objections, and the Competent Authority responsible for handling objections. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of a specific amendment to the Railway Act of 1989, focusing on land acquisition for a Special Railway Project. The analysis is based solely on the provided government policy text, offering insights into the amendment's purpose, key provisions, and implications for affected stakeholders. **3. Policy Overview:** * This document represents an amendment to the Railways Act, 1989. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to facilitate the acquisition of land required for the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of a Special Railway Project, specifically the construction of ROBs/RUBs. A secondary objective is to establish a clear and legally sound process for land acquisition, including provisions for public notification and addressing objections. **4. Background and Rationale:** The text suggests that the amendment likely addresses potential bottlenecks or ambiguities in the original Railways Act concerning land acquisition for special railway projects. By specifically invoking Section 20A, which pertains to special railway projects, and detailing procedures for notification and objection, the amendment appears designed to streamline the land acquisition process and mitigate potential legal challenges or delays. The rationale is to ensure the timely completion of critical infrastructure projects such as the ROB/RUB construction. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is an amendment focusing on clarifying the land acquisition process. It specifically addresses the execution of Section 20A of the Railways Act, 1989. The key changes and clarifications introduced by this amendment are: * **Specific Project Focus:** The amendment directly relates to the acquisition of land for the Proposed Construction of ROB RUB 10 Nos. in lieu of Level Crossing Gates between IgatpuriManmad BhusawalBadnera Section of Bhusawal Division in the District of Nashik Akola in the State of Maharashtra. * **Notification and Objection Process:** It mandates public notification of the intention to acquire land in the Official Gazette. It establishes a 30-day window for interested parties to raise objections to the acquisition. It specifies that objections must be made in writing to the Competent Authority (Assistant Collector Sub Divisional Officer, Nashik Maharashtra) and must state the grounds for objection. * **Competent Authority's Role:** The Competent Authority is required to provide objectors with the opportunity to be heard (in person or by a legal practitioner), conduct further inquiries if necessary, and either allow or disallow the objections by order. The order of the Competent Authority is declared final. * **Land Details Accessibility:** The land plans and other details are to be made available at the Competent Authority's office for inspection by interested persons. Essentially, this amendment appears designed to *clarify* and *expedite* the process of land acquisition for the specified railway project by defining the notification process, the means for objections, and the authority responsible for reviewing those objections. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment are: * Landowners in the District of Nashik in the State of Maharashtra whose land is identified in the schedule for acquisition (Lahu Pandurang Dhikale, Gangubai Tanaji Jadhav, Mahadu Trambak Jadhav, Bank of India Branch Pimpri Sayyed, Mirabai Chandrabhan Dhikale, Vimal Bhausaheb Dhikale, Madhav Chandrabhan Dhikale, Sharad Chandrabhan, Narayan Bhausaheb Dhikale, Dilip Bhausaheb Dhikale, Venubai Balu Dhikale, Karbhari Balu Dhikale, and Pandharinath Balu Dhikale). * Residents and communities in the vicinity of the proposed ROB/RUB construction sites. * The Central Railway and its contractors involved in the Special Railway Project. * The Competent Authority (Assistant Collector Sub Divisional Officer, Nashik Maharashtra) responsible for managing the land acquisition process. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Railways, Central Railway, and the Competent Authority (Assistant Collector Sub Divisional Officer, Nashik Maharashtra) are the primary responsible bodies. * **Timelines:** A 30-day timeline is specified for raising objections after the notification's publication in the Official Gazette. * **Procedures:** The amendment outlines the procedure for filing objections, the Competent Authority's review process, and the finality of the Authority's decision. Interested parties are expected to physically inspect land records at the Competent Authority's office. * The Chief Administrative Officer Construction is also involved as they uploaded the notification. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to facilitate the timely acquisition of land necessary for the construction of the ROBs/RUBs. By clarifying the notification and objection process, the amendment aims to reduce delays and potential legal challenges, enabling the Railway to proceed with the project more efficiently. The specific changes brought about by the amendment aim to enhance the project’s likelihood of remaining on schedule. **9. Conclusion:** The analyzed amendment to the Railway Act of 1989 represents a significant step in facilitating land acquisition for a Special Railway Project focused on improving safety and efficiency by replacing level crossings with ROBs/RUBs. By clarifying the legal framework and procedural aspects of land acquisition, the amendment aims to streamline the process, protect the rights of affected landowners through a formal objection mechanism, and ensure the timely completion of this critical infrastructure project. The implementation of these amendments will be crucial for the efficient execution of the railway project and the minimization of potential disruptions to local communities.

Key Entities Referenced