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 Surendranagar Pipavav Doubling Division on Western Railway in the State of Gujarat.

**Executive Summary** This document from the Gazette of India, issued by the Ministry of Railways (Western Railway) on January 30, 2026, designates specific officers as "Competent Authorities" under the Railways (Amendment) Act-2008. These authorities are empowered to oversee the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of the Surendranagar-Pipavav Doubling Railway Project in Gujarat. The notification is effective from the date of its publication in the official gazette. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Designation of Competent Authorities:** * The Central Government authorizes officers listed in Column (2) of the table as "Competent Authorities." * This authorization is made under clause (7A) of Section 2 of the Railways (Amendment) Act-2008. * **Project Scope:** * The authorization pertains to the "Surendranagar-Pipavav Doubling Railway Project" in Gujarat. * The project relates to specific sub-divisions (talukas) and districts as outlined in the table. * **Authority Responsibilities:** * The Competent Authorities are responsible for the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of the project. * These responsibilities are for the public purpose of the special railway project. * **Table of Competent Authorities and Jurisdictions:** * **S.No. 1:** Prant Officer-Sihor is authorized for the sub-divisions of Umarala and Valbhipur in the district of Bhavanagar. * **S.No. 2:** Prant Officer-Barvala is authorized for the sub-division of Ranpur in the district of Botad. * **S.No. 3:** Prant Officer-Botad is authorized for the sub-division of Gadhada in the district of Botad. * **S.No. 4:** Prant Officer-Lathi is authorized for the sub-division of Lathi in the district of Amreli. * **S.No. 5:** Prant Officer-Savarkundla is authorized for the sub-divisions of Savarkundla and Lilia in the district of Amreli. * **S.No. 6:** Prant Officer-Rajula is authorized for the sub-division of Rajula. * **S.No. 7:** Prant Officer-Limdi is authorized for the sub-divisions of Chuda and Limdi in the district of Surendranagar. * **S.No. 8:** Prant Officer-Vadhwan is authorized for the sub-division of Vadhwan. **Impact Analysis** **Ministry of Railways (Western Railway)** * **Impact:** The Ministry implements the Railway Amendment Act-2008 to progress the Surendranagar-Pipavav Doubling Railway Project, aiding in its execution, maintenance, management, and operation. * **Action Required:** Ensure Competent Authorities are aware of their responsibilities and provide necessary resources for them to fulfill their duties effectively. **Competent Authorities (Prant Officers)** * **Impact:** The designated officers now have the authority and responsibility for overseeing the railway project within their specified jurisdictions. * **Action Required:** Execute their duties related to the railway project's execution, maintenance, management, and operation, in accordance with the Railways (Amendment) Act-2008. **Gujarat State Government (Specifically Bhavanagar, Botad, Amreli and Surendranagar Districts)** * **Impact:** The railway project execution and management in the identified districts will be facilitated through the designated Competent Authorities. * **Action Required:** Support the Competent Authorities in their duties related to the railway project by coordinating and cooperating with them on public purpose activities in the affected sub-divisions.

Key Entities Referenced