Environmental Clearance for Railways: Quick Guide & Charges

Environmental Clearance license for Railway Projects benefits the environment, stakeholders, and project developers by promoting sustainable development and regulatory compliance.

• Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Clearance guarantees actions that prevent environmental damage while protecting natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems. It promotes economic growth while maintaining long-term ecological balance through the use of sustainable methods.
• Public Health: Environmental clearance decreases environmental health threats and contaminants, hence protecting public health. It benefits neighbors by improving overall air, water, and soil quality, resulting in a better living environment.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The Environmental Clearance license supports openness through compulsory public conversations, allowing stakeholders to express their concerns and assist project developers in appropriately handling social and environmental issues, thereby increasing trust and cooperation.
• Regulatory Compliance: Obtaining Environmental Clearance ensures that projects comply with national and state environmental regulations and helps to avoid penalties, legal actions, and project delays, resulting in better project execution.
• Global Recognition: Environmental Clearance programs adhere to sustainable development goals and international environmental norms. This demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility, boosts global competitiveness, and creates new market opportunities.

Projects are classified as Category A and Category B, based on their scale and environmental sensitivity.

• Category A:
  • It is regulated by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under MoEF&CC.
  • It includes large-scale projects such as thermal power plants, major mining operations, and ports.
• Category B:
  • It is supervised by SEIAA, with recommendations from the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC).
  • It is further divided into:
    • B1: Requires detailed EIA reports.
    • B2: Exempted from EIA but still needs compliance with environmental norms.

Projects near sensitive areas are treated as Category A, even if they fall under Category B.

To begin the Environmental Clearance process for Railway Projects, project proponents must provide several documents demonstrating compliance with environmental standards. The following documents are required for the Environmental Clearance procedure for Railway Projects:

• Covering Letter
• Terms of Reference (ToR) or Previous EC and Certified Compliance (if applicable)
• Form 1, Form 1A, or Other Requisite Forms
• Land Ownership Documents
• Land Use Documents with Approval
• Environment Management Plan (EMP)
• Pre-Feasibility Report and Conceptual Plan
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report and Compliance with ToR
• Risk Assessment Report
• Brief Project Summary
• GPS File (KML Format)
• Location Details Relative to Important Features
• Environment Consultant Details
• Details of Project Proponent with Undertaking
• Layout and Building Plan with Site Plan and Tree Mapping (Approved)
• Traffic Management Plan
• Application Copy for Wildlife Clearance (if applicable)
• Previous EC Letter (for Expansion, Modification, or Amendment)
• Ground Water Details
• Local Body Approvals

For construction projects, additional documents related to energy conservation, air quality, and waste management are necessary.