Railways don't need permission to build infrastructure on forest land

02 Mar 2023 CW Team

Although its contradicting regulations on the subject caused uncertainty in many states, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has clarified that the railways do not need to obtain authorization to expand infrastructure on its land in forest areas.

The Forest (Conservation) Act would not be applied on railway-owned land for the execution or maintenance of railway operations, according to a statement made by the ministry in reference to an order dated March 10 of last year.

The national transporter can now carry out infrastructure improvements without asking permission from the Centre, including in delicate forest areas.

The ministry has been informed that there is confusion on how the term "RoW," which is specified in the guidelines dated March 10, 2022, should be interpreted in several states and UTs.

The issue was investigated by the ministry, and it was determined that the RoW referenced in the guidelines...may be interpreted as the region inside the boundaries of railroad-owned land used for carrying out or maintaining railroad activities.

Given the "contrarian instructions" the ministry has been issuing on the subject since 2016, it was claimed that it is natural why the state governments are confused.

The ministry stated in November 2016 that the Forest Conservation Act might not be relevant if the conversion of metre gauge to broad gauge lines is permitted on forest land in the right of way (RoW) of the railway line that was already used for non-forest purposes before October 25, 1980.

Also read:
Rail link between Udhampur and Srinagar-Baramulla nearing completion
Railways to add 1,500 wagons to their fleet each month to transport coal

Building Material

07 Nov 2025

Beyond Basics: Unique Ideas for Using Distemper Paint Colours in Your Home

Rohit and Nisha had just moved into their first rented apartment in Pune. The place had everything they wanted. Great sunlight, a tiny balcony, and affordable rent. But the walls? A dull, ugly and patchy beige that made even their colourful paintings look tired. “Let’s colour the walls,” Nisha said enthusiastically. Rohit looked at her with a calculator in hand. “You mean spend half our salary on emulsions?”Just then, their neighbour popped in and said, “I have been using distemper paint on walls for years. It is affordable, looks good, and you can wipe it clean when your friends s..

REC Approves Rs 75 billifor Brookfield’s Hybrid Energy Project

The Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) Ltd, a Maharatna non-banking finance company, has sanctioned Rs 75 billion for Brookfield’s 1,040 MW hybrid renewable energy project in Kurnool district — its largest-ever funding to a private-sector venture.Developed by Evren, a joint venture between Brookfield (51.49 per cent) and Axis Energy, the Rs 99.1 billion project integrates 640 MW of wind and 400 MW of solar power with battery storage. It is India’s first Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) project featuring state-level grid connectivity and a dedicated power purchase agreem..

Oswal Energies, Deendayal Port Partner for Green Hydrogen Project

Oswal Energies and the Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla-Gandhidham) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop green hydrogen, green methanol, green ammonia, and a 100 million litres per day (MLD) desalination plant under the National Green Energy Initiative.The Government of India has identified Deendayal Port as one of the strategic hubs for green energy infrastructure. The collaboration aims to strengthen the port’s role in advancing sustainable energy systems, supporting India’s net-zero and energy security goals.Under the MoU, Oswal Energies will lead the devel..