Railway authorities briefing Supongmeren Jamir on Dimapur railway station modernization project. (Morung Photo)
Only 7.5% work done in one year; MP Jamir seeks urgent land resolution
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 28
Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha MP, S Supongmeren Jamir, on Friday expressed serious concern over the sluggish progress of the proposed world-class railway station project at Dimapur, noting that only 7.5% of the work has been completed even as one of the three-year construction period has already elapsed.
During a visit to the Dimapur Railway Station, Jamir, accompanied by members of Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committees (DRUCC), reviewed the project’s progress and held discussions with railway officials on the way forward.
One year of the three-year construction period has already elapsed, while only 7.5% of the work has been completed so far, Jamir said. Given the magnitude of the project, he said the remaining two years would require accelerated implementation and close monitoring.
He said the existing state-level high-powered committee should play an active role in resolving the land and administrative issues, while the Railway Ministry and other authorities should also respond quickly to matters pending at their level.
He maintained that early resolution of the land issue, compensation and survey would be critical to ensuring that the vision of a world-class railway station at Dimapur is realized within the stipulated timeframe.
Jamir informed that railway officials cited land-related issues and encroachment as major challenges affecting the progress of the project.
He said that the land patta holders are asserting their rights over the land, creating a dispute that needs to be resolved between the state and central authorities.
Jamir said the issue requires an early and clear decision, as delay resolution of the matter could further hamper the project.
On compensation, Jamir said the state government has already referred the matter to the Railway Ministry for consideration.
However, he said the exact position of the Ministry on compensation is yet to be ascertained.
He stressed that the matter should be resolved early so that it does not become an obstacle to the project.
Railway double line
Jamir said that while the development of a world-class railway station is important, its full potential cannot be realised without proper railway double-line.
“Until unless the double line is connected to the Dimapur railway stations, the meaning, the vision and scope of having the world class is never expected,” he said.
Railway authorities told the MP that the Nagaland portion of the double-line work “is still zero in progress” as non availability of land and encroachment again emerging as major challenges. He said land surveys have identified certain areas requiring attention, while non-cadastral land remains another issue, particularly in relation to the double-line project.
Seeks cooperation from village authorities
Jamir stressed the need for cooperation from village authorities, and village chiefs in areas where non-cadastral land has to be surveyed.
He said cooperation among the village authorities, state government and other concerned agencies would be essential to complete the survey and clear the land-related hurdles.
Jamir said that both the state and central governments need to work together to resolve the outstanding land issues.
He noted that the state government has already constituted a joint verification team and that a high-powered committee at the state level is also reviewing the matter.
The MP expressed hope that the state high-powered committee would expedite the process and help resolve the issues surrounding the project.
As a Lok Sabha member, Jamir said that he would also take up the matter with the concerned authorities and the Railway Ministry.
Train timing
The MP also raised the issue of inconvenient train timings in Nagaland.
He said many trains passing through the state operate during late-night or early-morning hours, which he described as inconvenient for passengers.
In this, Jamir suggested restoring the Nagaland Express service between Dimapur and Guwahati, which was discontinued during the COVID-19 time.
He said the earlier service, which operated from Dimapur to Guwahati in the morning and returned in the evening, had been more convenient for passengers and should be considered for restoration.
