Indian Railways Construction Manual PDF

Indian Railways Construction Manual CHAPTER 2 PROJECT PLANNING Since Indian Railway is planning to execute large number of construction projects for capacity augm...

Indian Railways Construction Manual CHAPTER 2 PROJECT PLANNING Since Indian Railway is planning to execute large number of construction projects for capacity augmentation, it is essential to adopt appropriate project management structure, execution methodology, project financing and disputes resolution mechanism to ensure commissioning of projects without cost and time overrun. Like other infrastructure sectors in India, IR’s projects also suffer from cost and time overruns, improper project planning being one of the contributory factors. 201 STANDARDS OF CONSTRUCTION - POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION (1) Speed Potential Degree of the curvature should be provided as per latest Railway Board guidelines, speed policy framework of Indian Railways satisfying IRSOD provisions. As per the current policy on Indian Railways, except for hilly terrain, for all new line construction the track geometry should be planned for the speed of 160 kmph with limiting degree of curvature of 1 degree and Maximum Permissible Speed (MPS) on opening should be 130 kmph; without any new level crossings. For the Gauge Conversion/multi tracking projects, the minimum MPS should be 130 kmph, with no unmanned level crossings. In hilly regions, decision must be taken on case-to-case basis [Railway Boards letter Nos. 2013/W-1/ Genl/0/30 Pt-II dated 04.05.2018 & dated 28.05.2018 (Ref. 2.01); and Railway Board’s letter Nos. 2017/Mobility/2/3 dated 12.06.2018 & 2015/W-I/Genl/Corr.GM/Pt.I dated 06.12.2018 (Ref. 2.02)]. Any departure from this speed policy framework of Indian Railways, may be done at the level of CAO/C on case to case basis, with a reasoned decision. However, as per Para 405(50 of IRPWM, in case of Doubling and New lines, if a curve is not possible to be designed for 160 Kmph for Group ‘A’ and 130 Kmph for Group ‘B’ routes, approval of PCE shall be obtained. Clearance of Plans and Estimates should not be delayed once a decision has been taken in this regard. [Railway Board’s letter No. 2015/W-1/Gen/Corr./GM Pt dated 06.12.2018, (Ref. 2.02)]. (2) Axle Load The choice of axle load shall govern the planning for formation, bridge and track as well as rolling stock. The choice should offer better flexibility for running trains with higher axle load and higher pay to tare ratio. The axle load to be considered for construction of formation in New Line/Doubling and Gauge Conversion projects is 25 T, except for the formation of doubling on the DFC feeder routes where the axle load of 32.5 T has to be considered [Railway Board’s letter No. 2013-W/ Genl./0/30/Pt-II dated 18.12.2019 (Ref. 2.03)]. (3) Formation and Blanketing Design of formation and the thickness of the blanketing and other layers should be as per the provision of specification for Railway formation issued by RDSO (Specification No. RDSO/2020/ GE:IRS-0004, September’2020) for the given axle load. Soil source(s) shall be explored during 25 PROJECT PLANNING the survey. As formation design will primarily depend upon the type of the soil being used in construction, it is essential that soil classification and assessment of requisite properties is done during soil exploration. In the areas having weak sub-soil, as per the criteria given in the RDSO Specification No. RDSO/2020/GE:IRS-0004, September’2020, then suitably designed Ground Improvement should be implemented as part of embankment work, before starting the track works. The time required for the ground improvement should be accounted for in the construction scheduling. Integration with existing Railway network is also an important requirement. Therefore, whatever axle load is adopted after due consideration, it should be uniform for the entire corridor i.e. formation, bridges, rolling stock etc. (4) Bridges While deciding GAD of the bridges being planned for doubling/3rd line etc., the following may be ensured in order to avoid excessive scour: (i) The piers of new abridge are in alignment of the piers of the existing bridge. The span arrangement should be decided in such a way that there is free flow of water through spans of old bridge and there is no staggering of piers in water flow area. (ii) There should be adequate distance between new bridge and old bridge. [Railway Board letter no. 2017/29/CE-III/BR/Br 588/ECoR dated 03.08.2017(Ref. 2.04)]. Formation with high embankment shall normally be avoided. In case of very high embankment say 15-20m height, a techno-economical study shall be carried out to decide whether a viaduct or high embankment is to be provided. (5) Over-head Structures The overhead structures are to be designed, keeping in view the double stack container traffic movement as per the IRSOD on indentified routs In case of electrification of single line or 3rd line in case of three lines, provision of additional line should be kept in mind while executing the electrification project. Thus, alignment of future doubling and yard plans for this should be prepared and approved in advance. Further layout of OHE for electrification project should be decided based on these approved plans and alignment [Railway Board’s letter No. 2017/W/-I/Genl./NL-RE dated 27.01.2017, (Ref.2.05)]. (6) Level Crossings and ROB/RUB works: Railway Boards Ltr. no. 2021/W-I/Genl/Gatishakti (e-3378115) dt. 18.08.2023 (Ref 2.06) shall be followed. The details of letter are as under - i. New Line Project:- No Level crossing shall be planned in a New Line Project. ii. Doubling/Multi-tracking Project:- Existing LCs may be planned for elimination with ROB/RUB if project viability is not affected i.e. FIRR remains above hurdle rate of 10%. Otherwise, elimination of balance LCs should be planned under PH-30 (ROB/RUB works). iii. Gauge Conversion Project:- As these projects are sanctioned under Uni-gauge policy, all LCs may be planned for elimination with ROB/RUB. However, RUBs shall be planned only when no substantial increase in earthwork is involved. Otherwise, ROBs can be planned based on cost benefit analysis. 26  Indian Railways Construction Manual iv. For ongoing projects: ROB/RUB can be provided to eliminate level crossings by revising the estimate of the ongoing project, if the formation level permits its construction without any substantial raising or lowering, else these ROB/RUBs can be sanctioned separately under PH-30. Such revision in estimate shall not be treated as material modification. v. Elimination of Level Crossing shall not be linked with commissioning of doubling/ multi tracking. vi. For level crossing already located within busy station yards affecting Railway operations and causing heavy detention to the road traffic, efforts should be made to replace them by Road Over/Under Bridges as per extant rules or shift them outside the outermost facing point. vii. Problem of drainage and construction methodology for LHS/RUBs should be properly studied and addressed at planning stage. In order to improve train operations and increase mobility, it is envisaged to eliminate LC on Indian Railways. In this reference, Railway Board has issued a policy for Road Crossing Works (ROB/RUB/LHS/FOB/Subway) to eliminated LCs. Reference Railway Board letter no. 2017/CE-IV/LX/Misc./244 (LCs) Pt. Dt. 02.03.2023 (Ref. 2.14) The detailed project reports (DPR) of projects should be prepared accordingly. (7) Track Center and Geometry of Track Minimum distance between the tracks should be as per the latest instructions issued by Railway Board, keeping in view provisions of Indian Railways Schedule of Dimensions (IRSOD). It should be ensured that reverse curves are avoided in the vicinity of bridges (at least up to 100m on either side of bridges). The Centre line distance between the tracks is directly linked to extent of land acquisition and has direct bearing on the cost of the project as well the time frame for the completion of the project. In case of Doubling or 3rd/4th line projects, existing utilities (OHE masts/portals etc.) also guide the decision of track distance for additional tracks. Existing ROBs, FOBs, OHE installations, existing major bridges or abandoned substructure of major bridges and many other obligatory points have to be considered with due diligence to arrive at most optimum track center distance in case of Doubling/Tripling/Quadrupling projects. (8) Distance between Stations It will be desirable if stations are located at a distance as per operational requirement, in New Line project. Innovative solutions for relief during emergencies and totally mechanized maintenance practices may have to be examined in detail before deciding the distance. In doubling, Intermediate Block Station (IBS)/ Intermediate Block Hut (IBH) may be planned to reduce block section if passenger’s requirement or provision of loop lines are not foremost considerations. In 3rd/4th line projects, integration with existing network should be planned after 3-4 stations (i.e. 30-40 km apart), to avoid large scale yard remodeling. Any exception to this may require approval of Railway Board [Railway Board’s letter nos. 2013/PL/19/1 (Policy) dated 05.07.2018 and 2018/W-I/Genl/Policy dated 04.09.2018 and Railway Board letter no. letter no. 2023/W- I/Gel/CAO/C/Conference.Pt.7 dt. 16.03.2023 (Ref. 2.07)]. 27 PROJECT PLANNING (a) Permanent Structures, Platforms and Passenger Amenities Platform and other passenger amenities to be provided while executing NL, DL or GC project should be as per the norms of the minimum essential passenger amenities. High level platforms and FOBs are now part of Minimum Essential Amenities (MEAs) on all categories of stations, as per the comprehensive instructions for provision of Passenger Amenities and user facilities at Stations issued through Railway Board’s letter no. 2018/ LM(PA) 03/06 dated 09.04.2018 (Ref. 2.08). For new lines, gauge conversion and multi-tracking projects, high level platforms should be restricted to the length of longest stopping coaching train at that station and remaining portion of platform should be at rail level to accommodate 26 coach train. All loop lines should be of full length of required Clear Standing Room (CSR) and the rail level platform provided for 26 coach length should have the required technical clearance ie. OHE mart for upgradation as high level as and when required. [Railway Board’s letter No. 2013/W- I/Genl./0/30/Pt-II dated 25.02.2020 (Ref. 2.09)]. All the fixed structures such as gate lodges, station buildings or other permanent structures should be planned keeping provision for future doubling/quadrupling, yard remodeling etc. in view to avoid dismantling of any of these structures in future. Gate lodges should be provided in staggered manner keeping the sufficient setback distance wherever new gate lodges are being constructed while executing Doubling projects. Wherever it is not possible to adhere to the above instructions, approval of PCE or CAO(C) shall be obtained [Railway Board’s letter no. 2013/W-1/Genl/0/30 Pt.-II dated 12.05.2017 (Ref. 2.10)]. (9) Rail Section and Sleepers It will be as per the route classification, axle load and latest instruction of Railway Board. However, 60 kg UIC 90 UTS Rails and wider base PSC sleeper with sleeper density of 1660 PSC is the minimum requirement presently. (10) Ruling Gradient: In view of heavy haul trains, as far as possible the ruling gradient of 1 in 150 shall be provided. However, the terrain through which alignment is passing will be the deciding factor. (11) Mode of Traction As per extant instructions, all New Line, Doubling and Gauge Conversion Projects are to be executed with electrification, with 2x25 kV AC OHE system [Railway Board letter No. 2022/ RE/161/4 dt. 27.05.2022 (Ref. 2.11)]. 202 GOOD PRACTICES TO BE FOLLOWED DURING PROJECT PLANNING AND EXECUTION (1) Alignment of New line and gauge conversion projects shall be finalized keeping in view of the future line (2nd and 3rd line) i.e. optimal use of available land to be done. (2) In new line/Gauge conversion projects, important bridges shall be constructed with foundation and substructure for two lines. (3) In new line/Gauge conversion projects, major bridges shall be constructed with foundation and substructure for two lines. (4) In new line project/ Gauge conversion, Limited height Subways (LHS)/RUBs/RCC Boxes shall 28  Indian Railways Construction Manual be constructed for two lines. In case of slab or girder are used for superstructure, substructure shall be constructed for two lines. (5) While planning & executing multi-tracking project, shifting of OHE portal shall be avoided since it is very critical and time taking process. The track alignment shall be finalized keeping in view this crucial aspect. (6) Doubling work shall be carried out in phases. In first phase, station yards shall be connected at every 3rd or 4th stations and doubling shall be commissioned. In the second phase remaining stations yards may be commissioned. (7) In all EPC tender suitable clause may be provided for using superstructure of all bridges as well as RCC boxes as per RDSO standard drawings. This will avoid unnecessary delay in design approval. Standard superstructures will help in maintenance of superstructure. (8) As far as possible the reverse curves due to change in track centres shall be avoided. The track centre shall be planned such that the alignment can be merged with the nearest normal curve. However, such decision shall be taken considering overall economy of the project i.e. such high track centre can be for small stretches only and not for kilometer together. (9) OHE portals shall be planned in such way that the isolation of individual lines is possible. This will help in carrying out various maintenance activities for individual lines instead of taking block for all lines which are supported over OHE portals. (10) As far as possible standard layouts of yards as per Railway Board letter no. 2015/Sig/WG/ Standard layout dt. 12.07.2017 (Ref. 2.12) shall be used. 203 PLANNING AND EXECUTION STRATEGY - POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION (1) Magnitude of work involved viz.: a) Land acquisition b) Formation and Blanketing material Requirement c) Ballast Requirement d) Rails e) Sleepers f) No. of level crossings and ROBs/RUBs/LHSs g) Number of Bridges/Linear waterway h) Value of contracts excluding cost of Rails (2) Project Strategy Project completion period should be meticulously decided, keeping in view the quantum of work, availability of construction agencies and other administrative requirements. (3) Detailed Project Planning Planning is the most critical activity for any project. It is said that “well begun is half done”. Considerable importance should be attached to this aspect. Planning comprises of many aspects as elaborated below: (A) Creation of Organisation Railway Board issues yardstick for Gazetted staff on yearly basis. Based on this yardstick, the organisation shall be decided. Manpower has to be decided based on the size of the project. More emphasis will be put 29 PROJECT PLANNING on laying down systems and documentation rather than round the clock supervision. In view of shortage of departmental manpower, various types of consultancy services can be engaged as per Railway Board’s letter No. 2023/CE-I/CT/1/Policy dated 15.03.2023 (Ref. 2.13). Project Management Services (PMS) can be deployed for supervision of EPC contracts. Project Supervision services (PSS) can be employed for supervision of non-EPC contracts and for hiring manpower for other technical services like site supervisors, draftsmen etc. General Consultants (GC) can be used for office support where manpower of adequate skills is not available with the project unit. GC is not project specific and GC can be used for activities like examination of DPRs by other consultants, preparation of estimates & tender schedules, assistance in pre-bid meetings & their responses, preparation of brief for the tender committee, examination of contract agreements, assistance in giving response to references by contractors/consultants, assistance in arbitrations, preparation of periodical reports & presentations, progress review & suggesting necessary interventions, assistance in various compliances, suggesting economy measures etc. Detailed Design Consultants (DDC) can be employed for design support wherever sufficient manpower with design/drawing skills is not available. DDCs may also be engaged by a project unit for a specific project requiring special design competence. Retired personnel can be re-engaged and technical personnel can be engaged on contract basis for sites not covered by any PMS/PSS or in office if GC/DDC is not available. They may also be used as a back-up whenever there is a sudden failure of PMS/PSS/GC/DDC. While engaging any of these agencies, care must be taken to avoid conflict of interest between various agencies and overall cost should be contained within the D&G charges available on the Railway. (B) Survey This aspect has been covered in detail in the chapter on Survey. However, following aspects should be kept in mind at the time of survey: (i) Identification of the source(s) for ballast, blanketing material and material for other layers in formation. (ii) Identification of utilities and structures that need to be shifted or dismantled. (iii) Rate Analysis for various items of execution regarding their source(s). (iv) Geotechnical studies at bridge, high embankment locations, tunnels, deep cuttings etc. (C) Experience of NHAI, State PWD etc. NHAI, State PWD etc. are executing almost similar works with similar spread and quantum nowadays. Their experience in acquisition of land, fixing of various types of contracts with high value, its success/failures, experience with the consultants, disputes likely to arise during execution, availability of construction material and agencies, should 30  Indian Railways Construction Manual be collected as this can serve the best benchmark for optimizing our performance in planning and execution and avoiding the pit-falls they have faced. (D) Acquisition of Land, Forest and wild life clearances This is the most critical and time-consuming activity as land acquisition is spread over many states/districts and involves action by multiple authorities. This should be first activity which should be immediately taken up after the project is sanctioned and put on fast track for completion in planning stage. Procedure for Land acquisition has been dealt with, in detail, in the chapter on Land Acquisition. (E) Detailed Geotechnical/ Seismic/ Hydrological/ Geological studies These confirmatory studies, to the extent required for all the components of a project, shall be carried out for economic and reliable design of all the components of the project and for realistic estimation of various items of work required during execution of the project. (F) Design and Drawings In-house design may or may not be possible for all items. Hence, engaging a consultant can be a better option. However, developing in-house expertise is essential to interact with various consultants to select best available solution. Standard drawings should be followed as far as possible, to expedite pace of execution. All GADs must be finalized in advance and should be available before calling of tenders. GADs of minor and major bridges other than canal and road crossings can be included in EPC tender. (G) Tender Packaging Tender Packaging is decided on the basis of the policy instructions in vogue, type of the work, time required for completion, cost, in-house experience and expertise availability besides availability of the contractors for the job to be executed. Tenders can be of two types: (i) EPC Contracts EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contract, is a design and built contract where the lump sum project cost is indicated and the payment is scheduled on the pro-rata basis according to the predefined milestones to be achieved. The risk of construction and drawings largely shifts to the contractor from Railways whereas Railways guarantees the availability of right of way, forest and other statutory clearances before undertaking the project. As per the current instructions of Railway Board, all new line, doubling, important colonies work, important bridges etc. should be undertaken through EPC mode only and any deviation from this requires the personal approval of GM. (ii) Item Rate Contracts In these types of contracts, detailed design and drawings are prepared in advance and contractors are asked to quote the rates. The rates may be quoted as % age above or below the base rate for the schedule as a whole or alternatively, the rates may be asked for each item of the work. (H) Breaking down of project in workable units/fixing of Zone length The Zone length/value should be fixed keeping in mind the type of work, availability of 31 PROJECT PLANNING reliable, competent & experienced contractors having expertise of site management, supervision and other logistics. It will be desirable to decide length/reach in such a manner that normally all works in that reach are executed by the same contractor. The value and scope of contract must be fixed very judiciously for achieving the objective of getting reliable, competent contractors who can complete the job in time. If there is likelihood of participation from competent contractual agencies, composite contracts can be planned, for a judiciously decided section length, for all the works required to commission the section (i.e., earthwork, bridge works, buildings, passenger amenities works, ballast, track works, general electrical works, electrical TRD works, S & T works etc.). Otherwise, item-rate contracts can be planned for various items of works as under: (i) One package for combined work of earthwork, bridges/ROB/RUBs, blanketing, all buildings (station buildings, relay huts, level crossing structures etc.). (ii) One contract to be planned for P. Way work covering linking of track, welding of rails, putting of ballast and bringing track to the final geometry etc. (iii) One contract for supply of ballast. (iv) One contract each for S&T and another for Electrical (General) and Electrical (TRD). Alternatively, P. Way works and ballast supply can be part of formation works at Sl. No. (i) above. (I) Fixing of Contracts (i) Eligibility / qualification criteria (ii) Defining work of similar nature (iii) Availability of experienced and reliable agencies in that field (iv) Time for completion (v) Two packet System The aspects detailed above, regarding tenders and contracts, are discussed in detail in the chapter on Tenders and Contracts. 204 QUALITY CONTROL AND ASSURANCE Quality control and assurance means execution of each specific component of the project (i.e. earthwork, blanketing, ballast, track laying, RCC, building work etc.) in time bound and recursive manner, complying with laid down quality standards and identifying ways to eliminate cause(s) of unsatisfactory performance. Contract document must mention clear, complete, and accurate description of the standards and specifications to be followed for each component of the project, facilities to be developed by agencies either in the project area or through the third party and the documentation to be ensured and preserved while undertaking the inspections and tests for each component. For having an effective and well-documented quality control and assurance plan, following basic elements of a Quality Control and Assurance Plan must be adhered to: (1) Quality Control Organization There must be a well-structured organizational set-up, both from the Railways and the agency 32  Indian Railways Construction Manual side, to undertake various inspections and conduct tests. Personnel engaged by the agency for undertaking the quality control should be qualified (such qualification should be part of the tender document). Duties and responsibilities of such personnel should be well-defined in QAP. Training may be imparted to engineers of various stakeholders to ensure the quality of construction. (2) Quality Assurance Plan Onus for proving quality work done rests with the contractor i.e. contractor will be required to prove and establish with the help of the documentation of various tests, procedures etc. that quality work has been done. There should be a well-documented quality audit plan comprising of: (a) Standards, Specifications and Method Statement for each component of the Project. (b) Inspection and Test Plan for all test/inspections to be done. (c) Check lists to undertake Inspections and Tests duly mentioning the limits and tolerances for each parameter. (d) Undertaking Field inspections and Tests: Series of inspections on each component of the project should be undertaken as per the protocol mentioned in QAP duly following the relevant codes and specifications. For undertaking each inspection, check list should be prepared as part of QAP. (e) Quality Documentation and Audit: Each test carried out as per QAP should be audited to ensure that non-compliance is ruled out. Each test should be well documented to create and audit trail for future references. (f) Availability of all relevant codes and manuals. (g) Training of all officers and staff associated with the Project. 205 PROJECT MONITORING AND CONTROL Project Monitoring includes observing and checking the progress of the project to ensure compliance with project scope, timeline, and deliverables and schedules whereas Project Control is measuring such progress by comparing actual progress with project plans and schedules and taking corrective action as required. Each project involves many uncertainties viz. availability of labour, machinery, monsoon, right of way, budget etc. Project Monitoring and Control thus becomes an important aspect of construction management. For ensuring the effective project monitoring and control, following aspects are important: (1) Objective of the project and each component of the project defining specific and measurable goals. (2) Schedule for the start and the end of each goal to be defined for every component of the project. (3) Sequencing: Each component of the project should have a defined sequence of execution correlating it with previous, forthcoming or parallel activities. (4) Size and Nature of Task: Clearly defining the task in terms of the measurable units like cum, m, days etc. (5) Resources: Requirement of resources in terms of Money, Manpower and machinery for successful execution of each goal. 33 PROJECT PLANNING (6) Controlling Cash flow: Controlling the cash flow for the execution including maintaining a healthy billing cycle. (7) Information and Control Systems: Well-established system should be in place to relay the information of progress in terms of the measurable units, expenditure incurred, constraints faced etc. Nowadays, various softwares are available for project monitoring and control which help Project Manager to take a balanced view based on the data provided in terms of aforementioned seven points. Most of these tools analyze the project in terms of CPM or PERT and produce GANTT or BAR chart for easy appreciation and monitoring of the project. These software help in developing a proper project scheduling and monitoring thus guiding on resource deployment schedule and optimization to achieve the desired task. Use of the project monitoring tools also helps in avoiding the clash between various activities and helps the manager to take balanced decisions. Such tools thus prove cost effective by avoiding rework and optimizing the available resources. Project Monitoring also involves preparation of Cash Flow chart, details of interfacing requirements of drawing, design, interaction with other departments/division, fixing and ensuring bill cycle in consultation with contractor, monthly presentation on project execution by top management of the contractor, availability and scheduling of resources viz., men, machinery & material and prompt decision on technical/design issues cropping up during execution. GANTT and BAR charts: are basically two-dimensional charts depicting activity on Y axis and time on X axis, thus giving a most simplistic overview of the progress of each activity vs stipulated progress. Based on these charts, resource planning and augmentation can be done to achieve the stipulated progress of various activities. TILOS (Time Location System) is a linear scheduling software. It has project management functions like structuring construction activities, schedule costs and resources, import and export data from one project management system to other system. It also has time -distance functions like display site plans & graphics on distance axis, cost and resource histogram, making mass haulage diagram etc. Microsoft Project: It is file based project management software. It supports maximum 11 baselines. It is used to create schedules, project plans, assign resources to tasks, tracking the progress, managing the budget. It helps in report generation, resource tracking and management. Multiple users cannot use it on real-time basis. Oracle Primavera: It is a web-based project management software. It supports unlimited baselines. It is used to create schedules, project plans, assign resources to tasks, tracking the progress, managing the budget. It helps in report generation, resource tracking and management. Multiple users can use it on real-time basis. 206 CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT (1) Success and timely completion of Project depends upon team-work. Contractor is an important part of team. (2) Identify bottlenecks in advance which contractor is likely to face ahead of problems not behind. (3) Cash flow problems with the contractor and its solutions. 34  Indian Railways Construction Manual (4) Optimization of methodologies and procedures for better out- put. (5) Decisions to be given to the contractor as early as possible for better management of problems. (6) Regular meetings with consultants, contractors for corrective inputs at right time. 207 IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT EXECUTION SCHEME (1) Availability of Land (2) Availability of Fund (3) Prompt Decision-making, use of standard details (4) Endeavour to make the contractor successful (5) Proper documentation for Safety, Quality and Payment Instructions for smooth execution for doubling projects, in the form of Dos & Don’ts for doubling works, as issued by Northern Railway are given in Table 2.01 below. This is presented as example only and every Railway may prepare their own Do and Don’ts, based on the instructions in vogue on various aspects and the prevailing site conditions. Table 2.01 DO’s and Don’ts SN Activity DO’s DONT’s 1 Survey 1. Fix reference points and benchmarks before 1. Commence survey start of work. work until reference 2. Mark all such points in the field, duly numbered. points and bench 3. Ensure indication of such reference benchmark/ marks have been points on all the drawings being prepared for the established in the work (Index plan, L-section & Bridge GADs etc.). field. These shall be noted in diaries/ book of field staff 2. Disturb reference also for ready reference. marks during course 4. Carryout survey of area including centre line of of work all existing tracks, footprint of all structures along with their height using these points. 5. All instruments shall be calibrated at start of work and further got calibrated periodically during the progress of work. 6. Note down all track data including curve data (TP, Super elevation, Degree, Versines etc.), gradient, turnout layout parameters etc. 7. Pick up data of all road/ river/ canals/ drain/ lines etc. crossing the track up to required distance on either side of existing railway track. 8. For existing ROBs, pickup location & size of all piers within railway land and soffit level of spans (with reference to existing tracks). 35 PROJECT PLANNING 9. For existing RUBs, check availability of span/box provided for future line. If available, note down its location w.r.t. existing track as it will be obligatory point. 10. Note down all utilities crossing the track/ running parallel to track along with their depth (Reduced Level) 11. Collect data of all signals, electrical cables running parallel/ across the track. 12. Note down feasibility of rising/ lowering of track at each such crossing. 13. Carryout survey of all bridges. Note down minimum track centre at which new bridge can be made considering infringement to existing foundations and feasibility. 14. Collect hydraulic data for all bridges from existing records, marking on bridge etc. canal data can be taken from state authorities. 15. Carryout discharge calculation for those bridges for which discharge is not available. 16. Collect data of all bridges in upstream and downstream for all major streams. 17. Prepare detailed survey plan showing all above noted details. 18. Wherever, ROBs have not been proposed/ sanctioned, survey shall be carried out for elimination of level crossings by diversion/ LHS/ RUB. 19. Up gradation of level crossing, whenever justified on TVU, may be planned where RUB/ LHS is not feasible and ROB not sanctioned. 20. Minimum SAG level officer should verify the alignment on site. 2 Fixing of 1. Mark all obligatory points on survey plan. 1. Raise the track w.r.t. Alignment 2. Plan new track on side where railway land is existing track unless available. Attempt to keep track on same side unavoidable. of existing track in long patches to minimize cut 2. Provide reverse connections. curve unless 3. Mark location of cut connections. unavoidable. 4. Mark new line at minimum track centre as per 3. Provide excess schedule of dimensions/ IRPWM/ Engineering length of loop lines. code from neatest existing track. 36  Indian Railways Construction Manual 5. Mark proposed track at minimum track 4. Provide turnout in centre line on all bridges. Highlight locations transition of curve. where deviation from minimum track centre is unavoidable as per available site data. 6. Reconfirm data for all such locations. 7. Mapping on PM Gatishakti National Master plan- Alignment to be done on PM Gatishakti portal to see if the alignment infringes with any avoidable sectors/locations viz. forest, mines, eco sensitive zones etc., and to make necessary adjustment in alignment, if required. 8. Plan work with sheet pile, if required to avoid reverse curves. 9. Attempt should be made to fix proposed alignment at locations of deviation in alignment without providing reverse curve by shifting curve. 10. Reverse curve, if unavoidable, shall be provided after personal approval of CAO/C, submitting detailed justification and options exercised to avoid the reverse curve. 11. Calculate curve data for all curves along with speed potential. Speed potential shall not be less than proposed sectional speed. 12. Attempt to ease existing curves during doubling work should be made without involving land acquisition, if possible, while fixing new alignment. 13. Mark all turnouts on survey plan. 14. Carryout layout calculations for each layout. 15. In case of Major bridges, if well foundation is planned, minimum distance between centre lines of existing and proposed track shall be D1+D2 (D1 dia. of exists well & D2 dia. of proposed well). 3 Fixing of 1. Proposed track shall be planned mostly at same 1. Provide turnout Gradient level as for existing track, especially at all level in steep gradient / crossings. change of gradient 2. Deviation may be made at bridges where violating the SOD clearance is less. 3. Deviation in level from existing track, if required and unavoidable, should be done with personal approval of CAO/C submitting full justification 37 PROJECT PLANNING 4. Mark all turnouts in section also to ensure that 2. Provide crossover there is no change of gradient within turnout in lines at level zone. difference without 5. Whenever, crossovers are provided in curve, detailed layout speed potential for all lines shall be workout to calculations both for ensure speed potential of section. layout and gradients. 4 Marking of 1. Prepare Index plan and L-section Mark all 1. Work from primary Alignment reference points in the drawing. reference points for 2. Establish secondary reference points from long distances. primary reference points for actual working. 2. Start the work 3. Regularly check the working bench mark with before unless foot- reference bench mark as work progresses. by- foot survey has 4. Check secondary reference points periodically been carried out after w.r.t. primary reference point. marking of centre line. 5. Arrange safety of survey bench marks & alignment control points by barricading or any other suitable means. 6. Mark layout of centre line of new track with pegs. 7. Carryout foot by foot survey after marking of centre line. 8. Note all infringements/ impediments in the work. 9. Check layout of curves. 10. Revise drawings if required at this stage. 11. Record final feasibility of index plan and L- section at this stage. 12. Proceed with final approved drawings only for marking of layout on ground by providing c/l Pegs. Apex points of curves shall also be marked with permanent pegs. 5 Embankment/ 1. Survey area for importing of earth for 1. Use SQ-1 soil in Cutting embankment and its quantity and quality. embankment without 2. Use good soil in embankment (SQ-2 or SQ-3) approval of CAO/C 3. Provide turfing of local fast-growing grass/ 2. Provide drain walls shrubs/ sarkandas etc. having deep root for without approved protection of embankment against soil erosion. drawing of HQ Protection shall be carried out along with progress of earthwork. 38  Indian Railways Construction Manual 4. Breast wall shall be provided in cutting in place of retaining wall being economical. 5. Avoid drain between tracks by providing proper cross slope in formation. In curves, attempt shall be made to continue existing cross slope in bank to ensure proper drainage of both tracks. 6. Drain size, wherever provided, shall be finalized based on rainfall and catchment calculations. Drawing of drain (preferably using lining only) shall be prepared and got approved from HQ before execution. 7. Blanketing should be provided to minimum after studying the behavior of existing formation. 8. If SQ1 soil is encountered in formation in cutting, top 300 mm SQ1 soil layer shall be replaced with good earth. 6 Bridges 1. Bearing capacity shall be assessed in the 1. Provide box only beginning for economic planning and informed to avoid raising of decision making. track due to clearance 2. For bridges smaller than 1.0m span, provide requirement. minimum1.0 m span 2. Provide box in 3. While deciding span of major streams due downstream of consideration shall be given to development existing bridge. since construction of existing bridge, e.g. taking 3. Provide box on river out of canal/ construction of barrage/ dam etc. in streams. upstream, change in habitation pattern, change in 4. Provide box on land use etc. filled up earth. 4. Data of all bridges constructed in upstream 5. Provide grouted and downstream of major bridges shall be given rigid pitching. due consideration while finalizing the span configuration. As far as possible, provide same span type and height as in existing bridge. Subject to satisfaction of Provision of IRS Substructure and Foundation Code. 5. Check clearance and free Board of existing bridge and workout raising, if required. 6. Provide flexible pitching for abutment/ guide bund protection up to freeboard (1.0 m) above HFL. 7. New bridges up to 24.4 m span shall be planned with ballasted deck unless unavoidable. 39 PROJECT PLANNING 8. Open foundation shall preferably be at same level as existing bridge. Subject to satisfying scour depth and bearing capacity requirement as per IRS Substructure and Foundation Code. 9. For providing deep foundation approval of CAO/C shall be obtained as per Railway Board letter. 7 Structures 1. Carry out condition assessment of all affected 1. Provide facilities structures. beyond estimate and 2. Existing structures in good condition (building norms. FOBs etc.) shall be utilized to the extent possible. Suitable alterations may be carried out. 3. If new structures are to be provided, it shall be as per approved type plan if no type plan is available, new plan may be prepared with facility level as per norms. Reference Documents SN Para No Ref. document details 1 201(1) 2.01 Degree of curvature for new projects of New Line, Gauge conversion and Doubling and Level Crossing in New Line. [Railway Board’s letter Nos. 2013/W-I/Genl./0/30 Pt-II dated 04.05.2018 & 28.05.2018] 2 201(1) 2.02 Speed Policy framework for Indian Railways. [Railway Board’s letter no. 2017/Mobility/2/3 dated 08/12.06.2018 and 2015/W-1/Genl./ Corr.GM/pt. dated 06.12.2018] 3 201(2) 2.03 Construction of formation for Doubling on DFC feeder routes. [Railway Board’s letter no. 2013/W-1/Genl./0/30 Pt-II dated 18.12.2019] 4 201(4) 2.04 Construction of bridges during doubling. [ Railway Board’s letter no. 2017/29/CE-III/BR/Br.588/ECoR dated 03.08.2017] 5 201(5) 2.05 Planning of OHE Layout While Executing Electrification work on single line sections. [Railway Board’s letter no. 2017 /W-I/Genl./NL- RE dated 27.01.2017] 6 201(6) 2.06 Level Crossings on New Line/Gauge Conversion/Doubling/Multi Tracking projects. 2021/W-I/Genl./Gatishakti (e-3378115) dt. 18.08.2023 7 201(8) 2.07 Policy guidelines-Execution and Alignment of 3rd line projects. [Railway Board’s letter nos. 2013/PL/19/1 (Policy) dated 05.07.2018, letter no. 2018/W-I/Genl./Policy dated 04.09.2018 and letter no. 2023/W-I/Genl/ CAO/C/ Conference. Pt.7 dt.16.03.2023] 40  Indian Railways Construction Manual 8 201(8)(a) 2.08 Comprehensive instructions for provision of passenger Amenities and user facilities at station. [Railway Board’s letter no. 2018/ LM(PA)/03/06 dated 09.04.2018] 9 201(8)(a) 2.09 Platform length at Railway stations for new line, gauge conversion and doubling projects. [Railway Board’s letter no. 2013/W-I/ Genl./0/30/Pt-II dated 25.02.2020] 10 201(8)(a) 2.10 Provision of Fixed structures in New Line/Gauge conversion projects and setting of Gate lodges, station buildings etc. alongside the existing track. [Railway Board’s letter no. 2013NV-I/Genl./0/30 Pt. II dated 12.05.2017] 11 201(11) 2.11 Up-gradation of electric traction system [Railway Board letter no. 2022/RE/161/4 dt. 27.05.2022] 12 202(10) 2.12 Standard yard layouts [Railway Board letter no.2015/Sig/WG/ Standard layout dt. 12.07.2017 13 202(3)(A) 2.13 Provision of different type of services/consultancies for project implementation in Indian Railways. [Railway Board’s letter no. 2023/CE-I/CT/1/Policy dated 15.03.2023] 14 201(6) 2.14 Policy for Road Crossing Works (ROB/RUB/LHS/FOBs/Subway) to eliminate level crossing and Tresspassing areas under PH-30 issued vide Rly. Bd. Letter no. 2017/CE-IV/LX-Misc./244 (LCs) Pt. dt. 02-03- 2023. *** 41 PROJECT PLANNING 42  Indian Railways Construction Manual CHAPTER 3 LAND ACQUISITION AND FOREST CLEARANCE 301 BACKGROUND Earlier, land acquisition was being done through the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. Further, for speedy dealing with the land acquisition cases for Special Projects, provisions have been made in various Acts like “The Railways Act, 1989”, “The National Highways Act, 1956”, “The Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978” etc. ‘‘The Railways Act, 1989’’ was amended by ‘‘Railways (Amendment) Act, 2008’’ and a new Chapter-IV A was added to deal with land acquisition cases for Special Projects on a fast track basis. It came into force on 31st day of January, 2008. In 2013, the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 was repealed, and “The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013” was enacted, which came into effect on 1st Jan, 2014. 302 GOVERNING PROVISIONS FOR ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR RAILWAY PROJECTS Whenever non-government land is required for railway purposes, it should be acquired by any of the following Acts, as per the existing policy prescribed by Railway Board - (1) Land Acquisition for notified “Special Railway Projects” can be done as per the Indian Railway Act-1989 (as per Chapter IV A as inserted by Railway Amendment Act-2008). (2) Land acquisition can be done as per the provisions of “The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act-2013”. (3) Land can be acquired by “direct purchase through private negotiations with land owners” as per the policy formulated by State Governments under Section 108 of RFCTLARR Act-2013. (4) Government Land which is already public property and in which no interests of private persons exist, should not ordinarily form the subject of proceedings under these Acts. Such land should be transferred to the Railways as per Rule-310 of General Financial Rules-2017 as indicated in para 811 of Engineering Code. 303 APPLICABILITY OF LAND ACQUISITION PROVISIONS (1) Land Acquisition under Railway Act - 1989 (a) Land acquisition under “Indian Railway Act-1989” is preferable for railway projects. For this purpose, Chapter IVA has been inserted in Indian Railway Act-1989 through Railway Amendment Act-2008. For acquiring land under this act, that project has to be declared “Special Railway Project”. (b) As per Section 2(37A) of Indian Railway Act-1989, “Special Railway Project” means a project notified as such by the Central Government time to time, for providing national infrastructure for a public purpose in a specified time frame, covering one or more States or the Union Territories. On behalf of Central Government, Railway Board vide letter no 2010/LML/12/8 dated 19.12.2014 (Ref. 3.01) has authorized CAO(C)/CE(C)-Coord with the approval of GM to declare any railway project as “Special Railway Project”. 43 LAND ACQUISITION AND FOREST CLEARANCE (c) Railway Board vide letter No. 2018/W-1/Genl/Land Acquisition dated 25.11.2022 has laid down that all Doubling, Gauge Conversion & only important New Line projects should be declared as “Special Railway Projects” and land acquisition should be done as per Railway Amendment Act-2008 by opening a joint account (Ref.3.02). Railway Board vide letter No. 2010/LML/12/8 dated 21.02.2020 has laid down that for all such Railway infrastructure projects which have to be completed in a specified time frame, the land should invariably be acquired through the provisions of Railway Act,1989 by declaring them “Special Railway Projects” (Ref. 3.03). (d) In this land acquisition process, land owner is given opportunity to submit his objections, however, final decision rests with the “Competent Authority”. A declaration made by the Central Government shall not be called in question in any court or by any other authority as provided in Section 20E(4) of the Act. For dispute resolution, “Arbitrator” is appointed u/s 20F(6) by General Manager and CAO(C) of the project. (e) This method is faster but there are chances of disputes regarding compensation amount. Disputes are referred to Arbitrator. (2) Land Acquisition under RFCTLARR ACT-2013 – This is the general act applicable for all types of land acquisition cases. Land can be acquired through this process also. This process is lengthy and generally takes more time in acquisition. (3) Land Acquisition under Direct Purchase Policy (a) Railway Board vide letter no 2015/W-2/SCR/NL/22 dated 20.10.2016 (Ref. 3.04) has issued instructions that for doubling, traffic facility, passenger amenities works and for left over provision of land in other projects where land requirement is minimal, land acquisition can be done through “direct negotiations” if the State Government has formulated policy/guidelines u/s 108 of RFCTLARR Act-2013. (b) Some state governments have enacted policies u/s 108 where this method can be used. State governments act as a facilitator between land owner and Railways. (c) In this process, land is acquired with the consent of land owner through direct purchase, hence, chances of disputes are less and land acquisition is faster. (d) The compensation in this process, is either equal or more than the other two methods. So, under this method, compensation value may be higher. 304 APPLICATION FOR LAND ACQUISITION (1) Whenever land is required for Railway purposes, an application should first be made to the Revenue Officer in-charge of the district in which the land is situated, for a statement of the value of the land. (2) When the work of acquisition extends to more than one district but lies within one division, application should be made to the Commissioner and when in more than one division, to the Chief Revenue Authority of the State. If state governments require applications district wise, the same should be followed. (3) The application should set forth clearly the purpose for which the land is required, and should be accompanied by the following documents specifying the extent of the land and such other particulars necessary for its identification- 44  Indian Railways Construction Manual (a) The name of the railway. (b) The copy of sanction of project for which land is being acquired. (c) A brief general description of the route to be followed by the railway with the names of the important villages or towns through or near which the railway should pass. (d) A list of civil districts in which the land will be required for the purposes of the railway with the approximate area of the land required in each district. (e) A general index plan to a scale of 0.5 km to 1cm, showing the route to be followed by the railway. (f) A complete set of land plans and schedules prepared in accordance with the provisions given in Para 837 of Engineerig Code or in such other forms as may be prescribed by the State Government or administration concerned. (4) Every endeavor should be made to avoid interference with religious edifices, burial grounds or other places or objects which may be considered as sacred. If the land applied for, contains religious edifices etc., the fact must be specifically brought out in the application. (5) Reference of provision should be made under which Railway intends to acquire the land. (6) Requirement of forest land diversion and wildlife clearance shall be identified in the beginning of the project. Forest land diversion and wildlife clearance is a long drawn process and shall be planned sufficiently in advance so as not to delay the projects. 305 RESPONSIBILITY OF RAILWAY ADMINISTRATION WHILE ACQUIRING LAND In acquiring land for railway purposes, it should be ensured that- (a) There is a necessity to acquire the land. As a general rule land may not be acquired except in connection with a duly sanctioned work but this rule does not debar the acquisition of land for bonafide railway purposes, such as sanitary zones which are unconnected with any particular work. Where any third party’s right of way in the form of a path or road is permanently obstructed by the railway, either by the land having been acquired or otherwise, the acquisition of land to restore the right of way on another site, can be done with the approval of General Manager (b) The sanction of competent authority exists for the land acquisition (c) The purchase price of land is reasonable. For this purpose, accurate estimation of land price should be obtained from revenue authorities. (d) The land is utilized to the best advantage. 306 CLASSIFICATION OF RAILWAY LAND (1) Permanent land Permanent land is the land which will be required permanently after the railway is open for traffic and the work of construction is complete. (2) Temporary land Temporary land is land which is acquired for temporary purposes during construction only, such as for making approach road for working, for spoil-banks, side-cuttings, quarries, stacking and preparation of material, temporary offices, workshops etc., and which is disposed of, after the work of construction is completed. 45 LAND ACQUISITION AND FOREST CLEARANCE 307 EXTENT OF LAND TO BE ACQUIRED For extent of land to be acquired, provisions contained in Chapter-VIII and Appendix-III of the Indian Railway Code for the Engineering Department need to be followed. Some important points to be observed are as under- (1) For lines on which the traffic cannot reasonably be expected to grow beyond the carrying capacity of a single line within 15 years of opening, the widths of land to be acquired should be those for a single line. (2) For lines over which traffic is likely to develop beyond the carrying capacity of a single line within 15 years after opening, the widths of land to be taken up should be those for a double line. The orders of the Railway Board should be obtained before reckoning widths on this basis. (3) The widths of land to be taken up for a single/Double line should be, under ordinary circumstances, as shown in the tables in Appendix-III of Engineering Code. In specific cases, the Railway Administration can modify the requirement of land. (4) For new lines and doublings, the acquisition of agricultural lands should be limited to the bare minimum area to be acquired and it need not conform to the arrangement given in Appendix-III of Engineering Code. (5) Care should be taken to leave sufficient space for arrangements for drainage and for catch- water drains, where required, to prevent surface water from the adjacent land running down the slope of the cutting. Land required for catch-water drains will be additional to that shown in the table in Appendix-III of Engineering Code. (6) In arranging the side-widths, there should be continued straight in portions as long as practicable. These lines should follow the average variation in height of bank or depth of cutting over considerable lengths and not be made to zig-zag to suit the local variation at each chain e. g. where there is minor variation in side-widths, it will often be advisable to neglect such local variations entirely, and take up the land in a parallel strip for some distance. (7) Special care should be taken to ensure that sufficient land is taken up at stations. This land should be provided for any reasonable extensions of the yard which may be expected in the future. (8) Tunnels - As per Railway Board’s letter no. 2018/W-I/Genl./Land Acquisition/ Pt I dt. 06.09.2018 (Ref. 3.05), no land to be acquired over tunnels except at the entrances to the tunnels i.e. portals and for any adits/shafts which may be required for facilitation of increase in rate of construction or for provision of safety features. For geologically unstable regions, where there are chances of cave-ins during tunneling/excavations and also at locations of low overburdens, the land acquisition may be resorted to, based on practical considerations. (9) Viaduct - The land should be acquired for minimum width along the span and pier locations. (10) Cut & Cover - The land required in this case is though temporary, however if required, minimum land shall be acquired for construction affected zone, also covering requirement for portal, ventilation and access for maintenance etc. (11) In special circumstances, where land is needed for temporary purposes as mentioned in earlier Para, and where there is little likelihood of the land on the expiration of the term of temporary occupation being rendered unfit to be used for the purpose for which it had been utilized immediately before such occupation, temporary acquisition may be undertaken as per Chapter- XI of RFCTLARR Act-2013, provided that such procedure would result in economy. 46  Indian Railways Construction Manual If land is required for temporary occupation, a separate application to be made under Section 81(1), Chapter XI of RFCTLARR Act-2013, in which the fact that permanent acquisition is not required should be clearly stated. 308 LAND PLANS AND SCHEDULES (1) Land Acquisition Plans normally to be prepared on 50m to 1cm scale. However, to introduce sufficient detailing for clarity and for congested areas, large scales such as 10m to 1cm and 5m to 1cm may be used. (2) Where the State Governments have prescribed separate scales for plans and sections in respect of acquisition of land for railway projects, such scales should be adopted. (3) The data for the preparation of land plans should generally be obtained during the progress of final location survey of the line. Initially all land is acquired as Permanent Land only and it should be shown in Pink color by outer boundary. However, for Railway’s records, a separate plan showing Permanent and Temporary land are to be distinguished by colour as follows: (a) Permanent Land - Pink. (b) Temporary Land - Yellow. (4) The names of villages to which the land belongs, should in each case, be written on the plan alongside of the line indicating the village boundary. If the boundary line crosses the railway line, the names should be repeated on the other side of the railway line and the chainage of the crossing point to be mentioned. (5) When boundary marks have been erected for the demarcation of railway land, the position and corresponding number of every detached mark should be inserted in the land plans. (6) The plans should show all existing roads and buildings, and when the latter are known to be used for public purposes or by special departments, their purposes and ownership should be stated. (7) The schedules showing details of the land required may be drawn up as required by each State Government or Administration, showing location wise land area proposed for acquisition and other relevant details. (8) Minimum two sets of land plans and schedules are required; one for the revenue authorities and one for the Railway. 309 MARKET VALUE OF LAND TO BE ACQUIRED The market value of land to be acquired under any provision, shall be determined by Collector/Competent Revenue Authority as per “The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act - 2013’’ (Section 26, Chapter IV of the Act), which is as under - (1) The market value, specified for the registration of sale deeds in the area or the average sale price for similar type of land situated in the nearest village or nearest vicinity area; whichever is higher. Date for determination of market value shall be the date on which the notification has been issued u/s - 11 of RFCTLARR Act or u/s 20A(1) of Railway Act as the case may be. (2) The average sale price shall be determined taking into account the sale deeds during immediately preceding three years of the year in which such acquisition of land is proposed to be made. 47 LAND ACQUISITION AND FOREST CLEARANCE For determining the average sale price, one-half of the total number of sale deeds in which the highest sale price has been mentioned shall be taken into account. 310 PROCEDURE FLOW FOR ACQUISITION UNDER RAILWAY ACT-1989 Land Acquisition of notified Special Railway Projects can be taken up under Indian Railway act- 1989 (As amended by Railway Amendment Act-2008) and The Land Acquisition (Special Railway Projects) Rules-2016. (1) Gazette notification is issued u/s 2(37A) of Indian Railway Act-1989, by General Managers or CAO(C)/CE(C)-Coords with the approval of General Manager to declare the project as “Special Railway Project”. [Sample copy of gazette notification u/s 2(37A) (Ref. 3.07)]. (2) As per Section 2(7A) of Indian Railway Act-1989, Central Government shall notify a person as “Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA)” and appoint an Arbitrator u/s 20F(6). For this, General Managers and CAO/Cs have been authorized vide Railway Board’s letter No. 2008/LML/12/2 dated 13.02.2008 (Ref. 3.06) to issue Gazette notification. An officer of Revenue Deptt is nominated as “Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA)” and some other Gazetted rank officer of State Government as Arbitrator in consultation with the State Govt.[Samplecopy of gazette notification u/s 2(7A) (Ref. 3.08)]. (3) Notification for intention to acquire land u/s - 20A (1) (a) As per Section 20A (1) of Indian Railway Act-1989, Central Government to issue Notification to declare its intention to acquire land giving a brief description of such land and of the special railway project for which the land is intended to be acquired. For this, General Managers and CAO/Cs have been authorized vide Railway Board’s letter No. 2008/LML/12/2 dated 13.02.2008 (Ref. 3.06) to issue Gazette notification. [Sample copy of Gazette notification u/s 20 A (1)(Ref. 3.09)]. (b) In the notification, objections to the acquisition of land and use of such land for the said purpose from interested persons are invited within 30 days of publication of notification. (c) Substance of this Notification should be published in two local newspapers by Competent Authority as per Section 20A (4) of this Act. (4) Power to enter for Survey u/s - 20B (a) On issue of Notification as per Section 20A (1), Competent Authority may authorize any official to enter on subject land for survey, measurement, marking, valuation, enquiry, taking Levels, digging bore hole etc. (b) Damages during survey, digging, boring, marking etc. should be evaluated and paid within a period of 6 months from the completion of the said works. (5) Hearing of objections u/s - 20D Any person interested in the land may, within a period of thirty days from the date of publication of the Notification u/s - 20A (1), object to the acquisition of land for the purpose. After hearing of objections of interested persons, if any, Competent Authority will pass the order of allowing/ disallowing the objections as per Section 20D (2) and submit the report to Central Government. (6) Declaration of Acquisition u/s - 20E (a) On the basis of the report of Competent Authority, Central Government issues Declaration of land acquisition by notification u/s - 20E (1). For this, General Managers and CAO/Cs 48  Indian Railways Construction Manual have been authorized vide Railway Board’s letter No. 2008/LML/12/2 dated 13.02.2008 (Ref. 3.06) to issue Gazette notification. (Sample copy of Gazette notification u/s 20 E (1)–(Ref. 3.10) (b) On the publication of the Declaration u/s - 20E (1), the land shall vest absolutely in the Central Government free from all encumbrances. (c) The notification u/s - 20A shall cease to have any effect if no declaration u/s 20E has been published within one year from notification. (d) This Declaration shall not be called in question in any court or by any authority. (7) Award of compensation u/s - 20 F (a) The competent Authority will make compensation award u/s 20F (2) within one year of date of declaration. If no award is declared within one year, the entire land acquisition proceedings shall lapse. (b) If competent authority is satisfied that the delay has been caused due to unavoidable circumstances, and for the reasons to be recorded in writing, he may make the award within an extended period of six months. In this case, entitled person shall be paid an additional compensation every month for the period so extended, at the rate of not less than 5% of the value of the award. (c) Determination of compensation to be paid under this Act shall be subjected to Section 105(3) of the RFCTLARR Act-2013. As per Section 105(3) of RFCTLARR Act-2013, provisions related to determination of compensation in accordance with the First schedule, rehabilitation and resettlement in accordance with the Second Schedule and Infrastructure amenities in accordance with the Third Schedule of the RFCTLARR Act- 2013 will be applicable to Railway Act also. Therefore, compensation amount under Railway Act should also be determined similar to the provisions of RFCTLARR Act-2013. (d) To determine the market value of building and other immovable property or assets and trees, plants and standing crop, Competent Authority may use the services of experienced persons/engineer/specialist. (e) Before proceeding to determine the compensation amount, the competent authority shall give a public notice published in two local newspapers, one of which shall be in a vernacular language inviting claims from all persons interested in the land to be acquired by appearing in person or by an agent or by a legal practitioner u/s 20(F)(4)(5). (8) Appointment of Arbitrator (a) An Officer of the rank of Gazetted officer of State Government is appointed as “Arbitrator” by General Manager or CAO/C, with the consultation of State Government, to determine the compensation amount in case of dispute by either party as per Section 20F (6). (b) If the amount determined by the competent authority is not acceptable to either of the parties, the amount shall, on an application by either of the parties, be determined by the arbitrator. (c) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 shall apply to every arbitration under this Act. (9) Deposit and Payment of Amount u/s - 20H (a) Railway shall deposit the amount determined as payable under compensation with 49 LAND ACQUISITION AND FOREST CLEARANCE competent authority as per Section 20H(1) of the Act which shall deposit the amount in an account opened by the competent authority in a nationalized bank for acquisition of land under the Act as per Rule 4(2) of the “Land Acquisition (Special Railways Projects) Rules, 2016” (Ref. 3.11), Rly Board’s letter No. 2018/W-I/Genl./Land Acquisition dated 05.02.2020 (Ref. 3.12) and letter No 2023/ACII/9/2/e 342205 dated 27.02.2023. (Ref. 3.13). The fund shall be under the control of competent authority and shall be operated by the competent authority jointly with the account officer nominated by the Railway for this purpose. (b) The Competent Authority shall on behalf of the Central Government pay the amount to the person or persons entitled thereto as per Section 20H(2) of the Act. (c) Where several persons claim for compensation, the competent authority shall determine the persons who in its opinion are entitled to receive the amount. In case of dispute, the competent authority shall refer the dispute to the principal civil court, within the limits of whose jurisdiction the land is situated. (d) Where the amount determined by the arbitrator is in excess of the amount determined by the competent authority, the arbitrator may award interest at 9% per annum on such excess amount from the date of taking possession u/s 20 I till the date of actual deposit thereof. (e) Land compensation amount should be expeditiously paid by Railway to avoid interest on award amount. Railway Board has issued instructions vide letter no 2021/W-1/377/ SR/7 dated 06.02.2023 to monitor court cases related to enhancement of compensation for land on regular basis and to ensure timely payment/deposition of money in court without delay. Railways may however, decide to go for appeal in higher court on merit of case only (Ref. 3.14). (10) Power to take possession u/s - 20 I After Declaration as per Section 20E (1) and deposit of compensation amount, the competent authority may, by notice in writing, direct the owner as well as any other person who may be in possession of such land to surrender or deliver possession thereof to the competent authority or any person duly authorised by it in his behalf within a period of sixty days of the service of the notice. (11) Right to enter into land u/s - 20 J Where the land has vested in the Central Govt u/s - 20E, it shall be lawful for any person authorized by the Central Govt in this behalf, to enter and to do other act necessary upon the land for carrying out the building, maintenance, management or operation of the Special Railway Project or part thereof or any other work connected. (12) Utilisation of land for the purpose u/s - 20 L (a) The land acquired under this Act shall not be transferred to any other purpose except for a public purpose, and after obtaining the prior approval of the Central Government. (b) When any land or part thereof, acquired under this Act remains un-utilised for a period of five years from the date of taking over the possession, the same shall return to the Central Government by reversion. 50  Indian Railways Construction Manual Anticipated Time Frame for Land Acquisition as per Railway Act SN Activity Tentative Time consumed 1 -Application for Land Acquisition to Collector. 1-2 Months -Nomination of Competent Authority for land acquisition u/s- 2(7A), - Issue of Notification u/s - 20A -Appointment of Arbitrator u/s -20F(6) 2 -Survey, marking etc. u/s 20B 2-4 Months -Hearing Objections etc. u/s 20D -Declaration u/s - 20E 3 - From Declaration u/s 20E to Award u/s 20F 1-2 Months 4 - Payment of compensation u/s 20H 2-4 Months - Possession of land u/s 20 I Total 6-12 Months 311 PROCEDURE FLOW FOR LAND ACQUISITION AS PER RFCTLARR ACT-2013 Under this Act, Land Acquisition Authority is “Appropriate Government” who acquires land for public purposes. Normally, State Government or Collector of the District acts as “Appropriate Government” for land acquisition cases as defined in Section-3(e) of the Act. (1) On receiving the request for land acquisition from Railway, respective Govt shall notify the officers who shall work as “Collector” for land acquisition (Land Acquisition Officer), “Administrator” for Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) and “Commissioner/Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R)”. Requiring Body (i.e. Railway) shall request “Collector for land acquisition” under intimation to “Commissioner/R&R”. (2) Evaluation of land and asset value (a) As per land acquisition application submitted by Railway, Collector may constitute a committee of Revenue, Forest, Agriculture, Water Resources and Railway officers for preliminary enquiry about land proposed for acquisition, its nature, crop, building on it etc. (b) On the basis of report, a Preliminary Estimate of the cost of acquisition, administrative expenses etc. are assessed. Railway may be asked to deposit the amount or part thereof as decided by Collector. (3) Social Impact Assessment Study u/s - 4 (a) At first, Social Impact Assessment (SIA) Study has to be conducted for the land under consideration for acquisition. Appropriate government (normally Collector), shall issue Notification for SIA Study which is to be completed in six months’ time as per Section 4(2) of the Act. (b) Notification for SIA Study shall be made available in the office of Collector/SDM/Tehsil/ Gram Sabha and shall be published in affected areas in local language. (c) SIA unit of State Government will finalise terms of reference for SIA Study and will appoint an agency for this. Railway will bear the cost of SIA unit and SIA study. 51 LAND ACQUISITION AND FOREST CLEARANCE (d) SIA Study team will prepare SIA Report and Social Impact Management Plan (SIM Plan) listing the ameliorative measures required to address the impact of land acquisition in consultation with the Panchayat or Municipal Corporation and by making field visits. Public hearings are conducted in affected areas for collecting objections and suggestions from affected persons by giving usual notice of 3 weeks (Section-5). (e) SIA Report and SIM Plan shall be made available in the office of Collector/SDM/Tehsil/ Gram Sabha and shall be published in affected areas in local language (Section-6). (f) On receiving SIA report, Appropriate Government will constitute an independent multi- disciplinary Expert Group for evaluation of SIA study report (Section-7). (g) SIA Study Report to be evaluated by Expert Group. It shall make a recommendation within two months from the date of its constitution. The recommendations of expert group shall be made available in the office of Collector/SDM/Tehsil/Gram Sabha and shall be published in affected areas in local language. (h) The appropriate Government shall examine the report of the Collector, if any, and the report of the Expert Group on the SIA study and after considering all the reports, recommend such area for acquisition which would ensure minimum displacement of people, minimum disturbance to the infrastructure, ecology and minimum adverse impact on the individuals affected. Decision of State Govt. shall be made available in the office of Collector/SDM/Tehsil/Gram Sabha and shall be published in affected areas in local language (Section-8). (4) Special provisions to safeguard food security u/s-10, Chapter-III of RFCTLARR Act shall not apply to Railways. (5) Preliminary Notification for land acquisition (a) On the basis of its decision, the Appropriate Government shall issue Preliminary Notification for acquisition of land u/s-11. (b) Preliminary Notification u/s-11 is to be issued within 12 months from the date of submission of appraisal report by Expert Group, otherwise such report shall be deemed to have lapsed and a fresh SIA study shall have to be conducted. Appropriate Government can extend this 12-month period by recording reasons and publishing it. (c) Preliminary Notification for acquisition of land u/s-11 shall be published in Official Gazette, Govt Website, in the office of Collector/SDM/Tehsil/Gram Sabha and shall be published in affected areas in two local language daily newspapers of the locality. (d) Collector shall ensure updating of land records within 2 months from the date of publication of Preliminary Notification (Section 11(5) of the act). (6) On issue of Preliminary Notification, the Appropriate Government may authorize concerned officials to enter on subject land for survey, level, bore holes measurement, marking, valuation and enquiry. These activities are to be done in presence of owner or his representative. In case of absence, a prior notice of minimum 60 days to be served (Section - 12). Payment of damage during preliminary survey has to be tendered by Railway (Section-13). (7) Hearing objections u/s - 15 Any person interested in subject land may submit his objections to Collector within 60 days of issue of Preliminary Notification. Decision of Appropriate Government on such objections 52  Indian Railways Construction Manual shall be final (Section 15(3) of the Act). (8) Rehabilitation and Resettlement Scheme u/s - 16 (a) Appointment of Administrator: Appropriate Government has to appoint an officer as Administrator for Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) u/s - 43(1) of the Act, who, after issue of Preliminary Notification, shall conduct a survey and census of affected families and submit a draft scheme for R&R as per Section-16 of the Act within 2 months of issue of Preliminary Notification u/s - 11. (b) Draft R&R Scheme: Administrator or the officer authorized by him, shall conduct public hearing in affected area by giving notice of date, time & place usually 3 weeks in advance. Representatives of Requiring Body, members of SIA team may remain present to respond to queries. The Administrator shall, on completion of public hearing submit the draft Scheme for R&R along with a specific report on the claims and objections raised in the public hearing to the Collector. (c) Review of R&R Scheme by Collector: The Collector shall review the draft Scheme submitted by the Administrator with the R&R Committee at the project level constituted u/s - 45, if any, and shall submit the draft R&R Scheme with his suggestions to the Commissioner/R&R for approval. Where land proposed to be acquired is equal to or more than one hundred acres, the appropriate Government shall constitute a Committee under the chairmanship of the Collector to be called “the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Committee” u/s - 45, to monitor and review the progress of implementation of the R&R scheme. (d) Approval of R&R Scheme by Commissioner: The State Government shall appoint an officer of the rank of Commissioner or Secretary as Commissioner/R&R u/s – 44 of the Act for rehabilitation and resettlement of affected families, who shall be responsible for supervising the formulation of R&R schemes or plans and proper implementation of such schemes or plans. After approval of Draft R&R Scheme by Commissioner, it is given wide publicity in the affected area in the same way as Preliminary Notification. (9) Declaration of acquisition u/s - 19 On approval of R&R scheme, Appropriate Government shall make a Declaration u/s-19 of the Act that any particular land is needed for public purpose. Such Declaration should be made within 12 months of publication of Preliminary Notification u/s -11. Before making such Declaration u/s -19, Railway shall have to deposit an amount, in full or part, towards the cost of land acquisition as prescribed by the Appropriate Govt. (10) Survey u/s - 20 After the publication of the Declaration u/s 19, the Collector shall cause the land, to be marked out and measured unless it has been already marked out and if no plan has been made thereof, a plan is to be made of the same. (11) Notice to take possession of land u/s - 21 (a) The Collector u/s - 21(1) of the Act, shall publish the public notice on his website and at convenient places on or near the land to be taken, stating that the government intends 53 LAND ACQUISITION AND FOREST CLEARANCE to take possession of land and that claims to compensation and rehabilitation and resettlement for all interests in such land may be made to him. (b) The public notice referred above shall state the particulars of the land, and require all persons interested in the land to appear personally or by agent or advocate before the Collector at a time and place mentioned in the public notice and to state the nature of their respective interests in the land and the amount and particulars of their claims to compensation for such interests, along with their objections, if any, to the measurements made. (c) Land Acquisition Officer during inquiry and award, will give notice to the Railway Administration or their local representative for their views and will take into consideration any representation of Railway Administration or their local representative. (d) Also, before finally making the award, the Land Acquisition Officer will allow the Railway Authorities an opportunity of appearing in person or by agent and of producing evidence as to the value of the land. (12) Land Acquisition Award u/s - 23 Collector will declare land acquisition Award as per Section-23 of the Act duly enquiring into the objections. This Award shall be made within 12 months of publication of Declaration u/s-19. Appropriate Government may extend the period of 12 months, if, in its opinion, circumstances exist justifying the same. (Section – 25) (13) Compensation Value (a) Market value of land shall be determined by Collector as per Section-26 of the Act. Market value, thus determined, shall be multiplied by a factor as specified by Appropriate Government as per the First Schedule of the Act. This factor has been specified by respective State Governments for different land banks in rural and urban areas. (b) Collector shall calculate total amount of compensation to be paid tothe land owner by adding the value of all assets attached to the land (on the basis of Section 27, 28 & 29 of the Act) with the market value of land. (14) Award of Compensation u/s - 30 (a) The Collector shall issue individual awards detailing the particulars of compensation payable and the details of payment of the compensation as specified in the First Schedule of Act. (b) To arrive at final award, Solatium amount equivalent to 100% of the compensation amount as calculated above, is added. (c) Railway Board vide letter no. E(NG)II/2010/RC-5/1 dated 11.11.2019 (Ref. 3.15) has issued modalities for implementation of Sr. No 4 of the Second Schedule of the Act where provision of Lump sum payment of Rs. 5 lakhs has been provided to the affected families. Now, there is no provision of employment to the affected land losers. (d) In addition, the Collector shall, in every case, award an amount calculated at the rate of 12% per annum on market value of land, for the period from the date of the publication of the Notification of Social Impact Assessment study till the date of the Award of the Collector or the date of taking possession of the land, whichever is earlier 54  Indian Railways Construction Manual (e) On making an Award, the Collector shall tender payment of the compensation to the persons entitled thereto in their bank accounts and take receipt as per the prevailing system in revenue department containing a reference to the payee and award statement. (f) When the compensation amount is not paid or deposited on or before taking possession of the land, an interest at the rate of 9% per annum from the time of taking possession until it shall have been so paid or deposited up to one year and at the rate of 15% per annum from one year onwards (Section-80). (g) If the person entitled to compensation does not receive it, or not available, or in case of dispute to the title land or its share, the Collector shall deposit the amount of the compensation with the Authority to which a reference u/s - 64 would be submitted. (15) Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Authority u/s - 51 The Appropriate Government shall establish “the Land Acquisition and rehabilitation Authority” under Section-51 of the Act who shall have original jurisdiction to adjudicate upon every reference made to it u/s - 64 and shall have same powers as are vested in a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure-1908 (Section-51 & 60 of the RFCTLARR Act-2013). (16) Reference to Authority u/s - 64 Any interested person who has not accepted the award may, by written application to the Collector, require that the matter be referred by the Collector for the determination of the Authority as per Section-73(3) of the Act. Collector then shall refer the matter to the Authority. (17) Determination of Award by Authority (a) The Award of authority shall deemed to be a ‘Decree’ within the meaning of clause (2) of Section-2 of Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 and the statement of the grounds of every such award shall be deemed a ‘Judgment’ within the meaning of clause (9) of Section-2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. The compensation amount to be re-determined on the basis of Award by Authority u/s -70(2) of the Act. (b) Authority during hearing of objections u/s - 66 of the Act, provides opportunity to Railway to submit their interests. Railway Administration should take advantage of these opportunities for representing their views and protecting their interests. (c) The award determined by authority shall be paid to the interested persons. Railway shall deposit the amount of award to the Collector. (d) Land compensation amount should be expeditiously paid by Railway to avoid interest on award amount as discussed in Para 310(9)(e) and as per Railway Board’s instructions vide letter no 2021/W-1/377/SR/7 dated 06.02.2023 (Ref. 3.14). (e) The Requiring Body or any person aggrieved by the Award passed by an authority u/s - 69 may file an appeal to the High Court within 60 days from the date of Award. (Section-74) (18) Jurisdiction of Civil Courts barred u/s - 63 No civil court (other than High Court under Article 226 or Article 227 of the Constitution) shall have the jurisdiction to entertain any dispute relating to land acquisition in respect of which the Collector or the Authority is empowered by or under this Act. (19) Acquisition of part of house or building – The provisions of this Act shall not be put in force for the purpose of acquiring a part only of any house, manufactory or other building, if the owner desires that the whole of such house, 55 LAND ACQUISITION AND FOREST CLEARANCE manufactory or building shall be so acquired. If any question arise as to whether any land proposed to be taken under this Act does or does not form part of a house, manufactory or building within the meaning of this section, the Collector shall refer the determination of such question to the Authority concerned & shall not be taking possession of such land till the question has been determined (Section-94). (20) Possession of Land u/s - 38 (a) The Collector shall take possession of land after ensuring that full payment of compensation as well as rehabilitation and resettlement entitlements are paid or tendered to the entitled persons as per Section-38(1) of the Act. (b) Person duly authorised by Competent Authority or Collector shall take the possession of land from the owner as per Section-38(1) of the Act after ensuring payment of full amount of compensation (within 3 months), Monetary part of R&R entitlements (within 6 months) and Infrastructural R & R entitlements (within 18 months) from the date of award u/s - 30. (c) Collector shall be responsible for ensuring that the R&R process is completed in all aspects before displacing the affected families. (d) Possession of the Land then will be handed over by the local revenue Authority or his representative, and will be taken over by a representative, not lower in status than a Senior Section Engineer/Junior Engineer of the Engineering Department of the Railway. The area on the ground should be carefully checked with that on the Plan and, if found correct, the permanent boundary marks should be affixed as soon as possible thereafter. (e) Mutation of the land in favour of Railway in Revenue records should be ensured. (21) No change from the purpose or related purposes for which the land was originally acquired, shall be allowed. No change of ownership without specific permission from the Appropriate Government shall be allowed (Section-99). (22) Return of Un-utilized land u/s - 101 When any land acquired under this Act remains un-utilised for a period of five years from the date of taking over the possession, the same shall be returned to