Noel Manuel
Dimapur | May 5
Reiterating his precursor’s concern, S.S. Narayanan the newly appointed Divisional Railway Engineer (DRM) today expressed worry with the opening of the new Passenger Reservation System (PRS) here saying that the state government needs to extend all possible support towards the developmental activities of the railways.
The DRM was making particular reference to the encroachment of railway land that has become a burning issue causing difficulties to passengers who were being deprived of amenities for long just for the interest of a vested few.
Narayanan, who assumed office barely 20 days ago, was on a maiden visit to the Dimapur Railway Station to take stock of the developmental activities here under the mega upgradation plan of the Northern Frontier Railways. Dimapur is among the five stations, under Lumding division, selected for the upgradation plan.
Accompanied by Omprakash, the newly appointed engineer in chief, Lumding Division, and a coterie of officers, the DRM surveyed the new PRS, luggage office, new footbridge and the railway circulating area.
Assuring the people of Nagaland and neighbouring Manipur of the best possible support, the DRM said that his priority would be to provide safety, security and punctuality to the passengers. “My department will also explore all possible means to provide other necessary amenities as well, he said”
Asked to explain, as to why only a renovation was being carried out and not the construction of a new building, Narayanan responded saying, “wait and let the renovation speak for itself.”
The new PRS, completed in July last year is yet to become operational because of encroachment of railway land by a few vested individuals and the district administration’s inability to lend logistic support to the court judgment passed earlier by ADC Judicial Mayang Lima on December 14, 2006 against five appellants.
With just three computers in the existing PRS office, and one reserved for defence personnel, passengers are made to go through a harrowing time, waiting for several hours indefinitely.
The office bearers of the Nagaland Railway Contractor’s Union (NRCU) earlier also welcomed the new DRM S.S. Narayanan and engineer in chief Omprakash with traditional Sumi Naga shawls. Kakheho, Khetovi, Andrew Ahoto, Niuto, Khape, D. Sharma, Nirmal Kumar and Premchand interacted with the new DRM.
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