No permission needed for projects in coastal zone for Railways: HC

11 Aug 2022 CW Team

The Indian Railways are not required to seek prior permission from authorities under the Environmental Protection Act before laying tracks or undertaking projects within areas within the protected coastal zone, according to the Bombay High Court in Goa. According to Section 11 of the Railways Act, railway authorities are exempt from virtually all laws unless specifically mandated by law or by the Supreme Court.

This was stated by the court in response to a petition filed by a group of villagers in Goa under the banner of Ganv Bavancho Ekvott challenging the railways' authority to begin construction of a second railway line through their village. The villagers have been protesting the project, claiming that the line was being expanded to carry more coal.

It also stated that if the Supreme Court ever rules that a rail line cannot be built in a CRZ area without the approval of the relevant Coastal Management Authority, any railway administration would be required to obtain such approval.

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