SC Railway Publication of Notification under sub section 6 of Section 20F of Railways Act, 1989 Acquisition of land for Doubling of Track between Mahabubnagar and Dhone in Nandyal, Jogulamba Gadwal and Wanaparthy District in the State of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

**Executive Summary** This notification, issued by the Ministry of Railways (South Central Railways) on May 5, 2026, announces the appointment of specific Arbitrators under Section 20D of the Indian Railways Act, 1989. The appointed officers are granted the powers of a Civil Court to perform duties within their respective jurisdictions in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. These Arbitrators are required to consider Sub-sections (1) and (3) of Section 20D of the Act when passing legal awards. **Key Points / Main Content** **Legal Framework and Appointment** * The appointments are made in pursuance of Part-II, Sub-section (1) of Section 20D of the Indian Railways Act, 1989. * The Central Government designates specific officers to act as Arbitrators for the purposes of Section 20K of the Act. * Appointed Arbitrators are vested with certain powers equivalent to those of a Civil Court. **Designated Officers and Jurisdictions** * **Collector and District Magistrate of Nandyal:** Authorized to act within the local limits of Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh. * **Collector and District Magistrate of Jogulamba Gadwal:** Authorized to act within the local limits of Jogulamba Gadwal District, Telangana. * **Collector and District Magistrate of Wanaparthy:** Authorized to act within the local limits of Wanaparthy District, Telangana. **Procedural Requirements** * Arbitrators must exercise powers and perform duties as conferred by or under the Indian Railways Act, 1989. * When passing awards, Arbitrators are strictly mandated to take into consideration Sub-section (1) and Sub-section (3) of Section 20D of the Act. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Collector and District Magistrates (Nandyal, Jogulamba Gadwal, and Wanaparthy)** **Impact** These officers are now legally designated as Arbitrators and "Competent Authorities" under the Indian Railways Act, 1989, possessing the powers of a Civil Court for railway-related matters. **Action Required** They must exercise their newly conferred powers and perform arbitration duties within their respective districts, ensuring all awards comply with Section 20D (1) and (3) of the Act. **Stakeholder: Ministry of Railways (South Central Railways)** **Impact** The Ministry establishes a formal legal mechanism for dispute resolution and award passing in the specified regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. **Action Required** The Ministry must ensure that relevant cases and duties are referred to the newly appointed Arbitrators within the specified geographical jurisdictions. **Stakeholder: Parties involved in Railway-related disputes/awards in specified Districts** **Impact** Individuals or entities involved in matters falling under the Indian Railways Act in Nandyal, Jogulamba Gadwal, or Wanaparthy now have a designated Arbitrator to oversee their cases. **Action Required** Affected parties must engage with the respective Collector and District Magistrate’s office for arbitration proceedings as specified under the Act.

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