Service roads for farmers mandated in Maharashtra where rail projects disrupt field access

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday said service roads must be compulsory for farmers. The order applies when Railway lines or other projects block access routes. Bawankule said farmers should reach fields without trouble. The direction followed complaints linked to the Manmad-Indore Railway project in Dhule district.

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The minister chaired a review meeting at the Mantralaya state secretariat. Officials discussed land acquisition issues in Dhule district. They also examined how the Railway alignment affected farm access. Bawankule said blocked routes must be restored as part of each project. The focus remained on removing practical hurdles for farmers.

Manmad-Indore Railway project: Service roads to restore farm access

Bawankule said, "It will be mandatory to construct a service road along the Railway line to enable farmers to reach their fields, Bawankule said in a statement.\" The instruction also covers other infrastructure works. Bawankule said the concerned department must rebuild any cut-off access road. The restoration should be included within the project scope.

Bawankule noted that Railway lines and pipelines have blocked older paths at several sites. Bawankule said responsibility lies with the department executing the work. Officials were told to plan access solutions alongside construction. Bawankule added that an official circular will be issued shortly. The circular is expected to formalise the steps.

Manmad-Indore Railway project: Land acquisition claims and deadline

On compensation and ownership issues, Bawankule said affected farmers got a last chance. Farmers must submit claims with supporting papers. Bawankule directed that documents go to the district collector within 15 days. After the deadline, no more submissions will be accepted. The instruction aimed to close pending disputes.

Bawankule also stressed support for small farmers and land with wells. Bawankule said such cases need added care during planning. Bawankule placed planning responsibility on the resident district collector. The minister linked this to access and land issues together. Officials were asked to avoid avoidable hardship during execution.

The minister’s directions tied access roads to every affected site in Dhule district. Departments were told to treat restored routes as part of project delivery. The 15-day window set a clear limit for land acquisition claims. Bawankule also placed added responsibility on district officials for small holdings and wells.

With inputs from PTI