The ambitious Chintaman-Naikhedi rail project in Ujjain has encountered a significant legal challenge following a court hearing on July 22, 2026. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) court has intervened in the ongoing land acquisition process, demanding transparency from railway authorities regarding the project’s alignment. This development threatens to disrupt the timeline of the infrastructure work essential for the upcoming Simhastha-2028.
- Project Scope: An 8.60-kilometer new bypass rail line with a total cost of INR 189.04 crore.
- Core Issue: Allegations of unnotified land surveys and selection of a route impacting 85 survey numbers.
- Legal Action: SDM Kritika Bhimawad has ordered railway officials to produce all clear documentation for the project.
- Next Hearing: The court proceedings will resume on July 28, 2026.
Concerns Raised by Landowners
During the hearing, legal representatives for villagers from Chintaman, Daudkhedi, Mohanpura, Mangrola, and Ujjain voiced strong objections against the current railway alignment. The primary contention is that the railway administration opted for the longest of the three proposed routes, which directly impacts the largest number of farmers. Furthermore, the petitioners alleged that land surveys were conducted without providing prior notification to the affected parties.
Serious Allegations of Misconduct
In a concerning turn of events, the villagers have leveled serious accusations against railway officials, including Western Railway GM Ramashray Pandey and engineer Dinesh Pandey. The complainants allege that these officials demanded a bribe of INR 40 lakh to alter the alignment. According to the villagers, the current route through their fields was finalized specifically as a retaliatory measure after they refused to fulfill this demand.
Impact on Infrastructure Timeline
This 8.60-kilometer bypass route is vital for reducing traffic congestion at Ujjain Railway Station, especially as the city prepares for the massive influx of pilgrims during Simhastha-2028. However, the project now faces a potential delay as the court has mandated that railway authorities present all project alignment documents during the next hearing scheduled for July 28, 2026. The railway’s ability to justify their route selection and address these transparency concerns will be critical in determining whether the project proceeds as planned or remains stalled in legal proceedings.