Publication of notification of extraordinary gazette under Part II section 3 Sub Section (II) Notification under clause 37A of section 2 of the Railway (Amendment) Act 2008 for the Special Railway Project of Vadodara Ratlam 3rd 4th Line (258.94 Km) in the State of Gujarat

**Executive Summary** This notification, issued by the Ministry of Railways (Western Railway) on June 4, 2026, authorizes specific officers as "Competent Authorities" under the Railways (Amendment) Act, 2008. These appointments are made for the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of the 258.94 km "Vadodara – Ratlam 3rd & 4th Line" Special Railway Project in Gujarat. The authorization becomes effective from the date of its publication in the official Gazette (June 5, 2026). **Key Points / Main Content** **Legal Framework and Project Scope** * **Authority:** The appointments are made by the Central Government in exercise of powers conferred by clause (7A) of Section 2 of the Railways (Amendment) Act, 2008. * **Project Identification:** The notification specifically pertains to the Special Railway Project named "Vadodara – Ratlam 3rd & 4th Line," covering a distance of 258.94 km within the State of Gujarat. * **Mandate:** Authorized officers are tasked with the public purpose of execution, maintenance, management, and operation of the project, with a primary focus on land acquisition functions. **Designated Competent Authorities** The document identifies five specific officers to serve as the Competent Authority for different administrative regions: * **Vadodara District:** The Special Land Acquisition Officer, Unit-I, is designated for the Vadodara Sub-Division. * **Panchmahal District:** The Additional Special Land Acquisition Officer is designated for the Panchmahal Sub-Division. * **Dahod District:** Three Deputy Collector & Prant officers are authorized for the Sub-Divisions of Dahod, Devgardh Baria, and Limkheda. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Nominated Officers (Special Land Acquisition Officers and Deputy Collectors)** **Impact** These individuals are now legally empowered to act as the "Competent Authority" under the Railways (Amendment) Act, 2008. **Action Required** They must perform the statutory functions related to land acquisition, management, and operation for the designated railway project within their respective jurisdictions. **Stakeholder: Ministry of Railways (Western Railway)** **Impact** The Ministry establishes a formal legal and administrative structure to proceed with the land acquisition and execution of the Vadodara – Ratlam expansion project. **Action Required** Coordinate with the newly appointed authorities to facilitate the 258.94 km line construction and project management. **Stakeholder: Landowners and Residents in Vadodara, Panchmahal, and Dahod Districts** **Impact** Property owners within the project's path are now subject to the administrative jurisdiction of the specific officers named in the notification regarding land-related matters. **Action Required** Liaise with the designated Competent Authority in their specific sub-division for any proceedings, claims, or notifications regarding land acquisition for the railway project.

Key Entities Referenced