Request for Publication of extraordinary eGazette Notification for East Coast Railway of Competent Authority

**Executive Summary** This notification, issued by the Ministry of Railways on June 16, 2026, designates three specific railway initiatives in Odisha as "Special Railway Projects" under the Railways Act, 1989. It officially authorizes designated Land Acquisition Officers to act as competent authorities to facilitate the acquisition of land for these projects. The provisions of this notification come into effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette. **Key Points / Main Content** **Legal Framework and Authorization** * The notification is issued in exercise of powers conferred by Clause (7A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989. * The Central Government identifies and notifies specific projects as "Special Railway Projects" to streamline administrative and land acquisition processes. * The designated Land Acquisition Officers are authorized to perform the functions of a competent authority for their respective areas and projects. **Designated Special Railway Projects in Odisha** * **Cuttack - Badabandha:** Acquisition of land for the construction of the 3rd and 4th railway lines. * **Bhadrak to Haridaspur:** Acquisition of land for the construction of the 4th railway line. * **Jajpur Keonjhar Road to Dhamara Port:** Land acquisition for the rail line via Jajpur and Aradi. **Appointed Competent Authorities** * **Jagatsingpur District:** The Land Acquisition Officer is authorized for the Cuttack - Badabandha project. * **Jajpur District:** The Land Acquisition Officer is authorized for the Bhadrak - Haridaspur project and the Dhamara Port connectivity project. * **Bhadrak District:** The Land Acquisition Officer is authorized for the project connecting Jajpur Keonjhar Road to Dhamara Port. **Impact Analysis** **Land Acquisition Officers (Jagatsingpur, Jajpur, and Bhadrak)** **Impact** These officers are now legally empowered and duty-bound to act as the "competent authority" for the land acquisition requirements of the specified Special Railway Projects. **Action Required** They must undertake the administrative and legal functions necessary to acquire land within their respective jurisdictions as per the mandates of the Railways Act, 1989. **Ministry of Railways / East Coast Railway (Construction)** **Impact** The notification provides the necessary legal status to progress with critical infrastructure expansions, including 3rd and 4th line augmentations and port connectivity. **Action Required** Coordinate with the designated Land Acquisition Officers to initiate and oversee the land procurement phase of the projects. **Landowners in Project Areas** **Impact** Properties located within the planned 3rd/4th lines or the new port connectivity route are now subject to acquisition under the "Special Railway Project" designation. **Action Required** Monitor official communications from the designated Land Acquisition Officers regarding the acquisition process and compensation procedures.

Key Entities Referenced