Publication of notification for Special Railway Project as per clause 37A of Section 2 of the Railways Amendment Act 2008 for Gazole Itahar new line project in the State of West Bengal under District Malda Uttar Dinajpur and Dakshin Dinajpur

**Executive Summary** This notification, issued by the Ministry of Railways on July 8, 2026, formally designates the Gazole-Itahar new line project in West Bengal as a "Special Railway Project." The notification is issued under the authority of the Railway Act, 1989, and becomes effective on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, July 9, 2026. The primary objective is the development of a 27.20 km railway line. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Statutory Authority** * The notification is issued by the Central Government in exercise of powers conferred by clause (37A) of section 2 of the Railway Act, 1989 (Railway Amendment Act, 2008). * **Project Designation and Scope** * The "Gazole-Itahar new line project" is officially classified as a "Special Railway Project." * The project involves the construction of a new railway line spanning a total distance of 27.20 kilometers. * **Jurisdiction and Timing** * The project is located within the state of West Bengal. * The notification and its provisions come into effect from July 9, 2026, the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. **Impact Analysis** **Ministry of Railways (Northeast Frontier Railway - Construction Organization)** **Impact** The organization is granted formal statutory recognition for the Gazole-Itahar project as a "Special Railway Project," providing the legal framework required for its execution. **Action Required** The Chief Administrative Officer/Construction-2 and associated departments must proceed with the implementation and construction of the 27.20 km line. **State Government of West Bengal** **Impact** The state is identified as the geographical host for this special infrastructure project. **Action Required** The state administration must acknowledge the project’s status and facilitate the necessary requirements for a "Special Railway Project" within its jurisdiction. **General Public/Local Residents of Gazole and Itahar** **Impact** The notification marks the official commencement of a 27.20 km railway infrastructure development in their region. **Action Required** Stakeholders in the region should take note of the project’s official designation and its location in the state of West Bengal as per the government notification.

Key Entities Referenced