Dimapur Railway station. (Morung file Photo)
Rs 283 cr allocated for modernisation of Dimapur Railway Station
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 9
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio today stressed the need for an amicable settlement of land issues surrounding the modernization of Dimapur Railway station, emphasising that the state cannot afford to lose the opportunity to develop and expand the crucial rail hub.
Replying to MLA Nuklutoshi in starred question at the 8th Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on the present status and progress of the Modernization of Dimapur Railway Station, Dr Rio said that Dimapur Railway Station, inaugurated in 1903, is over 120 years old and predates the formation of Nagaland as a state in 1963.
At that time, he noted, certain constitutional provisions relating to land ownership in the state did not exist, and railway authorities had occupied and measured the land for railway purposes long before the state came into being.
The Chief Minister observed that over the years, while railway authorities remained largely silent, encroachments gradually increased. He also noted that administrative authorities had regularised some of these encroachments over time, which has further complicated the present situation.
Dr Rio stressed that constructive dialogue between the state government and Indian Railways is necessary to find an amicable solution, particularly regarding compensation or other arrangements for landowners. However, he cautioned that compensation demands should not be at excessively high rates.
While railway expansion projects toward Kohima and other areas are underway, he noted that those stations would be comparatively smaller and Dimapur would continue to serve as the main railway station for the state.
Health & Family Welfare Minister, P Pawang Konyak informed the House that the Master plan for Modernization of Dimapur Railway Station was approved on January 11, 2024 and the work was started on July 25, 2025.
He said that the work has been started on those parcel of land which are under the undisputed possession of the railways. He cited the works progress of the Modernization of Dimapur Railway station as; two towers of staff quarter foundation work under progress, office building foundation work under progress and Relay Battery Generator (RBG) building foundation is completed.
The work has been awarded by Northeast Frontier Railway to M/s AR Joint Venture (Joint Venture), A joint venture of M/s ABCI Infrastructures Private Limited & M/s Ramacivil India Construction Private Limited, Guwahati-781007, Assam.
Replying to supplementary question, Konyak informed that the central government has allocated Rs 283 crore for modernization of Dimapur Railway Station.
He said the station remains the second highest revenue-earning railway station in the Northeast region.
Konyak further said that both the concerned department and the landowners have written to the Ministry of Railways seeking compensation, and they are currently awaiting a response from the ministry.
Earlier, MLA Nuklutoshi said there had been negligence from various stakeholders and questioned why the Northeast Frontier Railway remained silent for many years without lodging any complaint when illegal constructions were coming up on railway land.
He said that three possible options remain at present - payment of compensation for resettlement of the settlers, forceful eviction, or shifting the railway station to a new location.
