Farmers Demand Market Rate for Land Given to Build NS Line
Two important bridges between Kanigiri and Obulayapalle stations are held up for want of land in Nellore district. In addition, farmers are not allowing works over a total 3-km length in various patches between Podili and Kanigiri, as compensation has not yet been paid.
Nellore: Farmers in SPS Nellore district are demanding that compensation for land acquired for the Nadikudi-Srikalahasti railway line be revised to match the current market rates.
Their demand comes in the wake of continued delay in payment for the land acquired. Many are seeking interest on the pending compensation, citing long-standing government inaction.
Unlike in Guntur and Prakasam districts, where the project has made considerable progress, work in SPS Nellore is moving at a snail’s pace — largely due to state government delaying the release of funds.
Two important bridges between Kanigiri and Obulayapalle stations are held up for want of land in Nellore district. In addition, farmers are not allowing works over a total 3-km length in various patches between Podili and Kanigiri, as compensation has not yet been paid.
Land acquisition, which began in 2015, covers a total of 1,800.65 acres in SPS Nellore district, including 742.82 acres of patta land, 513.71 acres of DKT-assigned land, and 116.31 acres of encroached government land. Compensation at the time ranged from ₹1.3 lakh to ₹3.9 lakh per acre.
However, of the ₹47.98 crore awarded for patta lands, only ₹11.29 crore have been released. Compensation of ₹27.95 crore for DKT lands and ₹2.14 crore in ex-gratia for encroached government land are also pending.
Landowners now argue that the original rates are outdated and no longer reflect the true value of their properties.
Taking note of the situation, Nellore district collector O. Anand visited the affected areas, engaged with farmers and assured that their concerns will be addressed, including revised compensation and interest on delayed payments.
According to law, if compensation is not paid before taking possession of land, affected parties are entitled to interest at 9 per cent for the first year and 15 per cent thereafter. Based on these legal provisions, the revised compensation requirement now stands at ₹130.39 crore, including ₹27.52 crore in interest for patta lands and ₹24.78 crore for DKT lands. After adjusting for the previously released funds, the pending amount is ₹119.09 crore.
Nellore district administration has formally requested Secretary (Transport), Roads & Buildings Department, to allocate the necessary budget. Orders are awaited.
