Residents seek permanent road connectivity as Dimapur Railway Station redevelopment progresses, with authorities reviewing access concerns during construction
DIMAPUR — Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Dimapur-I MLA Tovihoto Ayemi on Thursday backed the INR 283-crore redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station but insisted that the project should not come at the cost of public convenience, directing railway officials to work with the district administration to ensure permanent road connectivity for affected residents.
Ayemi, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, Railway officials and representatives of affected colonies, inspected the ongoing construction site of the proposed world-class railway station following complaints over the closure of a key road used by nearby residents.
Inspecting the project being executed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Ayemi said the redevelopment was a welcome initiative and should be completed on schedule, but stressed that development must not inconvenience the public.
He said several colonies, including SM colony, Vilhume colony, Dr. KK Angami colony, Medical colony and Netaji colony, would be affected if proper road access is not maintained during and after the construction.
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Addressing Railway officials, Ayemi directed them to submit a report to the competent authorities and asked the executive engineer and other officials concerned to meet the DC at his office on Friday.
He said heavy construction activity during the monsoon has made movement difficult for school and college students, office-goers, business owners and pedestrians. He asked the authorities to properly manage excavated soil and ensure that people could move safely through the area.
The advisor stressed that a permanent road connection must be provided to the affected colonies once construction is completed.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Ayemi said there was no conflict between the district administration and the Railway authorities, adding that the visit was undertaken to address public concerns over road connectivity during the construction period.
He said residents had expressed apprehension over disruptions caused by the ongoing work and sought clarity on future access. The district administration and Railway authorities, he added, would continue discussions to arrive at a practical solution.
Ayemi said the project, announced in 2023, had gathered pace after initial delays and expressed hope that the world-class station would be completed within the next few years.
On concerns over illegal activities near the railway station, he said the district administration and police regularly monitor the area and would ensure that no unlawful activities are allowed.
Road access under review
Responding to queries on the issue, Dr. Chang said the district administration had not received any complaint regarding extortion or forcible stoppage of construction work.
He, however, said there were issues relating to land ownership in certain areas and that the state government had constituted a high-power committee to examine the relevant documents. Meetings had already been held with landowners, and further action would follow after scrutiny of the records.
Chang said the administration initiated Thursday's inspection after receiving a representation from Netaji colony and neighbouring colonies over the closure of an existing road and the need for an alternative route.
He clarified that the Railway authorities had not refused to provide road access but that the location and feasibility of opening a permanent route would have to be examined before a final decision could be taken.
Netaji-Railway colony Chairman Wekhro K Mero welcomed the redevelopment project but said residents had sought a permanent road instead of a temporary arrangement. He said the colony submitted a representation to the DC as students, elderly residents and the general public were facing hardship because of the road closure.
Mero expressed satisfaction that the authorities had inspected the site and hoped the demand for permanent road connectivity would be addressed.
Dimapur Bengali Samaj president and Netaji Colony resident KK Paul also welcomed the redevelopment but said more than 7,000 people depend on the existing road for their daily commute. He urged the authorities to ensure permanent access while safeguarding the interests of affected residents.
INR 283-crore project
The redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with an approved cost of INR 283 crore, has faced repeated delays because of disputes over railway land, encroachments and competing ownership claims.
Nagaland government had earlier informed the Assembly that while the Railways had explored the eviction of unauthorised occupants and a resettlement plan, issues relating to compensation amounting to INR 132 crore and competing land claims delayed implementation.
A high-power committee has since been constituted by the state government to examine land ownership documents and facilitate resolution of the disputes.
Construction has therefore commenced on portions of railway land that are free from litigation or ownership claims.
Civil society organisations have also urged the state government and the Northeast Frontier Railway to resolve the remaining issues without delaying the redevelopment of Nagaland's principal railhead.