DIMAPUR, MARCH 16 (MExN): MP to the Lok Sabha from Nagaland State, Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday spoke at the Parliament and stressed on the need to develop the rail networks in the North East region, and in particular Nagaland state.
Rio stated that the railway fund allocation to the NE has been encouraging since it has been enhanced to around Rs. 69,029.89 crore. However, he lamented on the work pace of the Dimapur — Kohima Railway project, which is 88 kilometers. The MP also stated that he has learnt that only 26 kilometres can be completed in two years time. Adding that the pace is very slow and it has not been connected to the State capital – Kohima, Rio asked that immediate survey to be taken up so that there is no time overrun and no cost escalation.
He also mentioned that Dimapur is the second highest revenue earning station in the NE after Guwahati, which caters to upper Assam, Army and Para-military Forces and also the State of Manipur.
For which, he emphasized that Dimapur Railway Station be made into a smart station and provided with all the facilities and amenities.
In regard to the new line between Dimapur to Tizit, Rio stated that the line goes through the foothills, which is fertile and rich in minerals and has a huge deposits of oil and coal. Therefore, he said that the project be taken up in urgent manner and on top priority. The line between Dimapur to Tizit is a stretch of 257 kilometers and touches five districts - Dimapur, Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng and Mon. This project was approved by the Railway Board in 2013-14, under item 21 and has been entered in the Pink Book of the Railways.
Regarding the BG line connecting Tuli and Tuli Town, covering only 9 to 10 Kilometres, Rio questioned as to why the particular line was shelved. Regarding the Amguri, Naginimora, Furkating and Baghty Valley, Rio stated that the work should be taken up on priority.
Further on the Look East Policy and Act East Policy, Rio reminded that the originally proposed and planned Trans Asian Rail Network should not be abandoned. The actual plan route was from Dimapur-Kohima, Senapati-Imphal and Moreh to South East Asia, which is parallel to the National Highway. But the proposed plan was abandoned and the work of the railways started from Dimapur to Zubza without reaching Kohima.
Rio suggested that the original plan should not be ignored, although he is not against the present work. He however stated that the ongoing work from Jiribam to Tupul and then to Imphal, which is going on a rapid progress has no habitation and unfavourable terrain.
