DCCI warns railway goods facility closure could push up prices in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has urged the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to allow unloading of railway goods at the FCI siding in Dimapur, cautioning that discontinuation of the existing goods facility without a viable alternative could disrupt supply chains and push up prices of essential commodities.

In a representation to the Divisional Railway Manager of Lumding Division, the chamber stated that while it supports railway modernisation, changes affecting goods handling should be implemented gradually and only after suitable alternatives are in place.

It reminded that Dimapur serves as a major commercial and distribution centre for Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland, with substantial volumes of essential commodities and other goods entering the region through the railway network.

Any disruption or increase in unloading and subsequent transportation costs, it warned, would increase the landed cost of goods and could ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher retail prices.

The chamber added that the impact would be particularly significant for essential commodities, food items, construction materials and other goods of daily necessity, while small businesses, traders and retailers could also face higher operating costs.

Temporary alternative

Against this backdrop, the chamber proposed the FCI siding in Dimapur as an alternative or temporary unloading point, subject to technical, operational, safety and administrative clearances from the competent railway authorities.

The DCCI reasoned that such an arrangement would ensure continuity of goods movement while minimising additional logistics costs and avoiding an abrupt disruption of the existing supply chain.

It argued that decisions affecting the handling and movement of goods should take into account public interest, price stability, business continuity and the potential economic impact on consumers.

The DCCI also requested that the existing unloading arrangement not be discontinued abruptly until a viable alternative is operational and capable of handling the volume of goods.