Dimapur, August 10 (MExN): The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has urged the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to reconsider the proposed discontinuation of unloading operations at the existing railway goods facility in Dimapur and make arrangements for unloading at the Food Corporation of India (FCI) Siding as an alternative or temporary measure.
In a representation to the Divisional Railway Manager, Lumding Division, DCCI referred to the Rates Circular General No. 22 of 2026 dated August 7, 2026, concerning the proposed change in railway goods-handling arrangements.
The chamber said it supported railway modernisation but maintained that such changes should be gradual and accompanied by suitable alternatives. "Any sudden discontinuation of the present facility, without ensuring a suitable alternative, is likely to have serious and immediate economic consequences for the business community as well as the general public," it stated.
According to DCCI, Dimapur serves as a major commercial and distribution centre for Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland, with substantial quantities of essential commodities and other goods entering the region through the railway system before being distributed to wholesalers, retailers, transporters and consumers.
The chamber said any disruption or increase in unloading and transportation costs would add to the landed cost of goods and could subsequently result in higher retail prices.
"Such an increase would particularly affect essential commodities, food items, construction materials and other goods of daily necessity," DCCI stated, adding that small businesses, traders, retailers and consumers would be especially vulnerable to sudden increases in logistics and handling costs.
DCCI said the proposed change could lead to increased transportation, handling and distribution costs, higher prices of essential commodities, disruption of established supply chains, additional financial burdens on traders and consumers, increased operating costs for local businesses and possible delays in the availability and distribution of essential goods.
Against this backdrop, the chamber proposed that the FCI Siding in Dimapur be considered as an alternative or temporary unloading point, subject to necessary technical, operational, safety and administrative clearances.
"Such an arrangement would help ensure continuity of goods movement while avoiding an abrupt disruption of the existing supply chain," it stated, adding that the arrangement could also help minimise additional logistics costs and prevent an avoidable escalation in commodity prices.
DCCI further requested that the existing unloading arrangement not be discontinued abruptly until a viable alternative is operational and capable of handling the movement of goods.
The chamber said a transitional arrangement at the FCI Siding would help balance railway operational requirements with the interests of traders, businesses and consumers.
DCCI urged the railway authorities to take into account "the larger public interest, price stability, business continuity and the economic welfare of the people dependent upon Dimapur as a major commercial centre."
It sought urgent consideration of the representation and an early decision in the interest of the business community and general public of Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland.
