Request for Publication of Corrigendum Notice against Gazette Notification published for change of competent authority for the Special Railway Project for Kalahandi District for New BG Rail Line between Junagarh Navrangpur of East Coast Railway

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment Regarding Competent Authority for Special Railway Project in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to a policy concerning a Special Railway Project in Odisha. The amendment, detailed in Gazette Notification S.O. 2577E, dated June 12, 2025, modifies the designated Competent Authority for land acquisition in the Kalahandi District for the New BG Rail Line between Junagarh and Navarangpur. The key change involves replacing the previous authority with the Special Land Acquisition Officer for District Kalahandi, Sri Munindra Honnaga, OAS S, P.D.D.U.D.A. This report aims to provide an overview of this amendment, its rationale, and its potential impact. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative analysis of Gazette Notification S.O. 2577E, dated June 12, 2025, concerning a change in the Competent Authority for a Special Railway Project in Odisha, based solely on the text provided. It details the nature of the amendment and its likely implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification constitutes an amendment to a previous Gazette Notification dated 02.05.2025, which originally designated a Competent Authority for the Special Railway Project in Kalahandi District. * **Core Objective(s):** The original policy aims to facilitate the construction of the New BG Rail Line between Junagarh and Navarangpur. This amendment aims to ensure efficient land acquisition by designating a specific officer as the Competent Authority in Kalahandi District. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment addresses a need to change the Competent Authority for the Special Railway Project in the Kalahandi District. The text indicates a prior notification designated a different (unspecified in the provided text) authority. This amendment likely stems from a need for a more appropriate or efficient authority, possibly due to jurisdiction, workload, or other administrative reasons. The appointment of the Special Land Acquisition Officer suggests a focus on streamlining land acquisition processes, which is often a critical path item for railway projects. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Original Policy Part Changed:** The amendment directly modifies the designated Competent Authority for land acquisition specifically within the Kalahandi District portion of the New BG Rail Line project. * **New Rule/Provision:** The Special Land Acquisition Officer for District Kalahandi, Sri Munindra Honnaga, OAS S, P.D.D.U.D.A, is now designated as the Competent Authority for the specified area of the Special Railway Project. * **Difference/Effect:** This change replaces the previously designated authority (unspecified in the provided text) with a Land Acquisition Officer. The effect is likely a more direct and focused approach to land acquisition within Kalahandi District. It signifies a shift towards utilizing an officer with specific expertise and responsibilities in land acquisition processes. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The direct target audience includes: * **The Special Land Acquisition Officer for District Kalahandi, Sri Munindra Honnaga, OAS S, P.D.D.U.D.A:** The individual now responsible for the function of such authority under the said Act in respect of area of the Special Railway Project. * **Residents and landowners within the Kalahandi District:** Those affected by the land acquisition process for the railway project. * **East Coast Railway Construction officials:** Those responsible for the overall project and reliant on timely land acquisition. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies mentioned:** * **Ministry of Railways:** The overall governing body. * **East Coast Railway Construction:** The implementing agency. * **Special Land Acquisition Officer for District Kalahandi:** Responsible for land acquisition in Kalahandi. * **Timelines or procedures:** The amendment takes effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette (June 12, 2025). * **Amendment-Specific Implementation:** Implementation requires the Special Land Acquisition Officer to immediately assume responsibilities and coordinate with East Coast Railway Construction. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is likely: * **Streamlined Land Acquisition:** By appointing the Special Land Acquisition Officer, the process is expected to become more efficient and potentially faster within the Kalahandi District. * **Reduced Delays:** Faster land acquisition can contribute to reducing overall project delays and cost overruns. * **Clearer Accountability:** The specific designation of an officer provides clearer accountability for the land acquisition process. **9. Conclusion:** Gazette Notification S.O. 2577E represents a targeted adjustment to the management structure of the New BG Rail Line project by amending the designated competent authority. The change is specifically for Kalahandi District. The designation of the Special Land Acquisition Officer suggests a strategic move to enhance the efficiency of land acquisition, a critical aspect of the railway project. This amendment, while seemingly minor, highlights the ongoing refinement of project management to achieve timely and efficient project completion.

Key Entities Referenced