Dimapur railway station to be upgraded to world-class level

Rs 283 crore earmarked for redevelopment and modernisation purpose

Morung Express News 
Dimapur | August 6

With an estimated budget of Rs 283 crore earmarked for redevelopment and modernisation purposes, the Dimapur Railway Station has been chosen among 508 stations to be upgraded to world-class level under the Centre’s “Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.” 

This was announced during the laying of the foundation stone for all the selected railway stations by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi who unveiled them through video conferencing on August 6. 

Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan along with Advisor for Department of Tribal Affairs and Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi and Advisor for Labour Employment & Skill Development and Excise Moatoshi Longkumer were present during the unveiling ceremony at the station’s premises. 

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor mentioned that redevelopment measures have been long overdue given the fact Dimapur is the main commercial hub and gateway of Nagaland. 

Built in 1903, the 120 year old railway station in Dimapur is considered amongst the busiest stations in the North-East region he mentioned.

 “This speaks so much about the importance of Dimapur; it is not only used to transport goods and people but also integral for the security of the nation,” he stated. 

In regard to the new up-gradation, plans have been proposed by the authorities to construct a new world class station building incorporating local cultural elements along with provisions for state of the art facilities for passengers. An exclusive 72 meter wide roof plaza will be built connecting terminal building and platforms. Spacious waiting areas with modern facilities for the passengers, retails, food plazas, improvements to all platform infrastructure, senior-citizen friendly facilities, green building, energy saving, solar panels, fire fighting, rainwater harvesting among others. 

A new parking facility for accommodating both 2-wheeler, 4-wheeler and other heavy vehicles is also in the pipeline including separate entry and exit points on both sides of the station. 

“I am glad that passenger amenities and safety have been given most priority,” Ganesan said. 

Meanwhile, Advisor, Ayemi noted that with the selection of Dimapur to be developed as a world class station, it is a blessing for the people of Nagaland. Further he expected that it will contribute to the overall economic development as well. 

Advisor Longkumer called the event a historic day, which the people of the State had been anticipating for a long time. 

Support of State Govt needed on issue of land encroachment 
After the end of the ceremony, a press briefing was organised by the railway officials wherein Chief Administrative Officer (Construction), Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) PK Kshatriya highlighted several proposals for the redevelopment plan. He reported that under the new proposal, the existing main building area (5160 sqm) will be extended further to 17,484 sqm along with increasing seating capacity at the waiting area for 1170, parking facility for about 809 vehicles, three walk-able bridges and peak hour traffic will be increased to 3,616 numbers per hour from the existing 1934. 

He estimated that the approximate time for completion of the project will be 2 ½ years and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been submitted to the Centre. 

On the issue of land encroachment, the official claimed that they have taken it up with the state government and Governor as well. “Without the support from the state government we will not be able to deal with this issue,” he commented. 

Advisor Longkumer, on the other hand, viewed that it was the responsibility of railway authorities to evict the encroachers and not the district administration. “The Deputy Commissioner (Dimapur) has got no authority as it falls under the Indian railways,” he maintained.  

Nevertheless, he added, “Any encroachment is against the law and for the benefit of one two individuals, we cannot sacrifice the future of the Nagas.”