Track to the Future: Dimapur’s ₹283 Crore Makeover

The Government of India has approved ₹283 crore for the modernisation of Dimapur Railway Station in Dimapur, Nagaland, a key rail hub in the Northeast. The update was shared in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly by state Health and Family Welfare Minister P. Pawang Konyak.

During the discussion, the minister noted that Dimapur station remains the second-highest revenue-earning railway station in the Northeast. He added that both the concerned department and landowners have approached the Ministry of Railways seeking compensation related to land issues and are awaiting a response.

Dimapur, Nagaland’s main commercial centre, lies about 70 km from Kohima, the state capital. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasised the importance of resolving land-related disputes amicably to ensure smooth implementation of the modernisation project.

Rio also pointed out that Dimapur Railway Station, inaugurated in 1903, predates the formation of Nagaland in 1963. At that time, several constitutional provisions regarding land ownership were not in place, and railway authorities had occupied land for railway purposes long before the state was created. Over the years, encroachments increased and some were later regularised, complicating the current situation.

Calling for constructive dialogue between the state government and Indian Railways, the chief minister urged all stakeholders to reach a balanced solution on compensation for landowners, while cautioning that compensation demands should remain reasonable.

During the debate, Nuklutoshi, MLA from the National People’s Party, highlighted long-standing negligence by stakeholders and said the Northeast Frontier Railway had remained silent for years as illegal structures emerged on railway land. He outlined possible solutions, including compensation and resettlement, eviction of encroachments, or relocation of the station.

The MLA added that although new railway expansion projects towards Kohima and other regions are planned, those stations would be smaller and Dimapur will continue to serve as Nagaland’s primary railway station.

The modernisation project is expected to upgrade passenger facilities, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the station’s role as a vital rail gateway for Nagaland and the wider Northeast region.

News by Rahul Yelligetti