The Central government has approved Rs 283 crore for upgrading the 123-year-old Dimapur railway station in Nagaland, as disclosed by a state Minister in the Assembly. Health and Family Welfare Minister P. Pawang Konyak informed that the funds are designated for the modernization of this significant railway hub. Dimapur station stands as the second highest revenue-generating railway station in the Northeast region, he added.
Nagaland’s primary commercial city, Dimapur, situated approximately 70 km from the state capital Kohima, is the location of the historic railway station. During the Assembly discussion, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized the importance of resolving land-related issues surrounding the station amicably to ensure the development and expansion of this vital rail hub. Chief Minister Rio highlighted that the station, established in 1903, predates Nagaland’s formation as a state in 1963.
Chief Minister Rio stressed the necessity for constructive dialogue between the state government and the Indian Railways to reach a mutually beneficial solution, particularly concerning compensation or alternative arrangements for landowners. He also cautioned against exorbitant compensation demands. The status of Dimapur railway station’s modernization was deliberated during the Nagaland Assembly’s eighth session, with members underscoring the importance of resolving land issues for the project’s progress.
