Publication of extraordinary gazette under PART II Section 3 Sub Section (II) of the Railway Act 1989 (24 of 1989) in connection with Nomination of Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) for the Project New Dedicated Freight Corridor connecting Dankuni in the East to Surat in the West (Surat district) in the State of Gujarat

**Executive Summary** This notification, issued by the Ministry of Railways on July 21, 2026, designates a Competent Authority for a "Special Railway Project" in Gujarat under the Railway Act, 1989. The authorization appoints the Special Land Acquisition Officer Unit – 1, Surat, to oversee functions related to the New Dedicated Freight Corridor connecting Dankuni to Surat. The order is effective as of the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. **Key Points / Main Content** **Legal Authorization** * The notification is issued in exercise of powers conferred by clause 7A of section 2 of the Railway Act, 1989 (24 of 1989). * The Central Government officially authorizes the designated officer to perform the functions of a Competent Authority under the aforementioned Act. **Designated Authority and Project Scope** * **Authorized Officer:** Special Land Acquisition Officer Unit – 1, Surat, Gujarat. * **Specific Project:** New Dedicated Freight Corridor connecting Dankuni in the East to Surat in the West. * **Geographical Jurisdiction:** The authorization applies specifically to the area of the project located within the Surat district in the state of Gujarat. **Effective Date** * The authorization and the performance of functions by the Competent Authority are effective from July 21, 2026 (the date of publication in the Official Gazette). **Impact Analysis** **Special Land Acquisition Officer Unit – 1, Surat, Gujarat** **Impact** This officer is now legally empowered to act as the Competent Authority for the specified freight corridor project within the Surat district. **Action Required** The officer must perform all statutory functions and duties prescribed for a Competent Authority under the Railway Act, 1989, regarding the development of the Dankuni-Surat freight corridor. **Ministry of Railways (Western Railway)** **Impact** The Ministry establishes the necessary administrative and legal framework to proceed with land-related and developmental functions for the Special Railway Project. **Action Required** Coordinate with the newly authorized Competent Authority to facilitate the progress of the Dedicated Freight Corridor. **Landowners and Stakeholders in Surat District** **Impact** All administrative processes, land acquisition matters, or official functions related to the New Dedicated Freight Corridor in this region will be centralized under the designated Special Land Acquisition Officer. **Action Required** Address all project-specific grievances, inquiries, or legal procedures to the Special Land Acquisition Officer Unit – 1, Surat.

Key Entities Referenced