Section 16 of RA, 1989 : Section 16: Accommodation Works

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a new railway line is being constructed near a small town. The railway line cuts through several farms and a local road used by the farmers to reach their fields. Under Section 16 of The Railways Act, 1989, the railway administration is required to construct accommodation works such as:

• A bridge over the railway line so that the farmers can cross with their vehicles and continue to access their fields without any hindrance.
• Culverts under the railway to ensure that the natural flow of water from a nearby stream to the fields is not disrupted by the railway embankment.

These works need to be completed at the expense of the railway administration and should be done in a timely manner to minimize inconvenience to the landowners and the public.

However, if the farmers had previously agreed to accept compensation in lieu of these constructions, the railway administration would not be obligated to build them. Additionally, if after ten years from the railway's opening, the farmers request additional accommodation works, the railway administration is not required to fulfill this request unless specified otherwise in the Act.

If the railway administration fails to start or diligently complete these works within the timeframe set by the State Government, the Central Government can be notified and can issue directions to ensure the works are completed.