Publication of Notification in the official Gazette Extraordinary Part II Section 3 Sub Section ii under Section 37 A of Railways Act 1989 Amendment 2008 for Special Railway Project namely Varanasi Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya multitracking 15 km including construction of a new Rail cum Road Bridge across Ganga River

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Railways has notified the "Varanasi-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya multitracking (15 km)" project, including a new Rail-cum-Road Bridge over the Ganga River, as a "Special Railway Project." This designation enables land acquisition in District Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, for public purpose and national infrastructure development. The notification was issued on April 29, 2026, and is effective from its publication date in the official gazette on April 30, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Legal Authority and Classification** * The notification is issued under clause (37-A) of Section 2 of the Railways (Amendment) Act, 2008. * The project is officially categorized as a "Special Railway Project." * **Project Scope** * The project involves multitracking a 15 km stretch between Varanasi and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya. * A significant component includes the construction of a new Rail-cum-Road Bridge across the Ganga River. * **Geographic Focus and Purpose** * The land acquisition is specifically authorized for District Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. * The project is intended to provide national infrastructure for a public purpose. * **Implementation Timeline** * The order comes into effect immediately upon the date of publication in the official gazette. **Impact Analysis** **Ministry of Railways / Northern Railway (Construction Organization)** **Impact** The organization is granted the legal authority to initiate and execute land acquisition processes under the provisions for "Special Railway Projects." **Action Required** Commence the administrative and legal procedures for acquiring the necessary land in District Varanasi to facilitate the multitracking and bridge construction. **Landowners in District Varanasi** **Impact** Property and land within the project's 15 km scope are now subject to acquisition for national infrastructure development. **Action Required** Identify if their land falls within the designated project area and prepare for the acquisition process as governed by the Railways (Amendment) Act, 2008.

Key Entities Referenced