Bullet Train land acquisition gathers pace near Hyderabad

796 acres notified as farmers seek better compensation

Property Pulse

The Telangana government has stepped up land acquisition near Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad for a proposed high-speed rail hub and other components of an Integrated Mobility Hub. A government notification has been issued for acquisition of 796.28 acres at Bahadurguda, marking a major step in securing land for the proposed infrastructure project.

The larger mobility hub is planned to include facilities for the proposed Bullet Train corridor, Metro, bus terminal and other supporting infrastructure. The government has proposed the high-speed rail hub to facilitate planned Bullet Train connectivity between Hyderabad and Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. The larger project is expected to require around 1,100 acres at Bahadurguda and surrounding areas.

Of the 796.28 acres covered by the latest notification, 146.28 acres is private land and 650 acres is government land. The government land comprises 150 acres in Survey No. 28 and 500 acres in Survey No. 62. Similar notifications are expected for land in nearby Rayakunta, Kongara Kurrd and Syedguda. The notification places restrictions on transactions and development activity involving the notified land from the date of publication.

Any such transactions or development require permission from the District Collector. Revenue officials and authorised staff have also been empowered to enter the notified land and conduct surveys as part of the acquisition process. Affected persons have been given 60 days to submit objections to the proposed acquisition in writing.

Although the 650 acres covered by the notification is government land, portions of Survey Nos. 28 and 62 have reportedly been under cultivation by local farmers for several years. The farmers have sought adequate compensation before the government takes possession. The government has proposed providing developed plots of 500 square yards for every acre to farmers cultivating the land. The farmers are seeking higher compensation. Disputes relating to possession and acquisition have also reached the Telangana High Court.

The latest notification advances the land acquisition process for the proposed infrastructure hub. It does not by itself mean that the Bullet Train is under construction. The next stages will include processing objections, surveys and other statutory steps associated with the acquisition. The final implementation of the proposed high-speed rail and other components will depend on their respective approvals and project processes.

Airport Corridor

●        796.28 acres is covered by the notification.

●        146.28 acres is private land.

●        650 acres is government land.

●        1,100 acres is the broader land requirement.

●        500 square yards is the proposed farmer benefit.

●        60 days is the objection period.

●        Bahadurguda is located near Hyderabad airport.