Publication of E Gazette Notification for Nomination of Sub Divisional Officer as a competent authority under Section 7(A) for land acquisition for Double Line between Nashik Road Sainagar Shirdi Project (95.059 Km).

**Executive Summary** This notification, issued by the Ministry of Railways (Central Railway) on May 19, 2026, and published on May 22, 2026, appoints Competent Authorities for the "Double Line between Nashik Road – Sainagar Shirdi Project (95.059 Km)" in Maharashtra. These authorities are empowered under the Railway (Amendment) Act 2008 to oversee the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of this special railway project. The order is effective immediately from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. **Key Points / Main Content** **Project Overview and Legal Framework** * The notification pertains to a 95.059 Km special railway project involving a double line between Nashik Road and Sainagar Shirdi. * The Central Government exercised powers under Clause (7A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989, and the Railway (Amendment) Act 2008 to authorize specific officers. * The project is classified for "public purpose," covering execution, maintenance, management, and operation phases. **Designated Competent Authorities** * **Deputy Collector Land Acquisition Irrigation No. 1:** Authorized to act as the Competent Authority for the Nashik Taluka in the Nashik District. * **Sub-Divisional Officer Niphad:** Authorized to act as the Competent Authority for the Sinner and Niphad Talukas in the Nashik District. **Jurisdiction and Scope** * The authorities are responsible for all functions under the Act within their specified Talukas (Nashik, Sinner, and Niphad). * The mandate applies to the specific 95.059 Km stretch designated as the Nashik Road – Sainagar Shirdi Project. **Impact Analysis** **Ministry of Railways (Central Railway)** **Impact** The Ministry establishes a formal legal administrative structure to move forward with the construction and operation of the double-line project. **Action Required** Coordinate with the newly appointed authorities to facilitate the project's execution and management. **Designated Officials (Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer)** **Impact** These officers are now legally mandated and empowered as "Competent Authorities" to perform official functions related to the railway project within their respective jurisdictions. **Action Required** Perform the duties of the Competent Authority as defined under the Railway (Amendment) Act 2008, specifically regarding the execution and maintenance of the Nashik Road – Sainagar Shirdi line. **Local Stakeholders (Landowners and Residents of Nashik, Sinner, and Niphad)** **Impact** Individuals in these talukas are now subject to the administrative decisions and functions of these specific Competent Authorities regarding the railway project. **Action Required** Direct all project-related inquiries, land acquisition matters, or grievances to the respective designated Competent Authority for their taluka.

Key Entities Referenced