NEIWAC has urged the restoration of the Chennai–Dimapur train service suspended since 2020.
DIMAPUR — A delegation from the North East India Welfare Association Chennai (NEIWAC) on Thursday urged the restoration of the Chennai–Dimapur train service, which has remained suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, describing it as a vital transport link for people from the Northeastern states living, studying and working in Tamil Nadu.
The delegation, led by NEIWAC president Wapangtoshi, also pastor of the Naga Christian Fellowship Chennai (NCF Chennai), met the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, at Lok Bhavan in Chennai on July 3 and submitted a representation seeking the resumption of the service.
The delegation comprised Wapangtoshi, Dr. Maongnungsang Jamir and Kereineinuo, the NEIWAC stated in a press release.
According to the memorandum, the Chennai–Dimapur train had long been one of the most reliable and convenient modes of transportation for people from Nagaland as well as parts of Assam and Manipur.
The service catered to students pursuing higher education, patients seeking specialised medical treatment, businesspersons, working professionals and families travelling to their native places.
The association stated that the train also played an important role in strengthening educational, economic, cultural and people-to-people ties between Tamil Nadu and the Northeastern region.
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The delegation pointed out that no train originating from Chennai currently passes through Dimapur Railway Station, forcing passengers to rely on alternatives that are either more expensive or significantly more time-consuming.
This, they said, has created considerable inconvenience, particularly for families, elderly travellers, patients and those carrying heavy luggage.
NEIWAC said the absence of a direct rail connection has adversely affected thousands of people from the Northeast residing in Tamil Nadu and appealed to the governor to support the restoration of the service in view of its growing public importance.
During the meeting, Governor Arlekar listened to the concerns raised by the delegation and acknowledged the significance of the issue.
He assured them that he would take up the matter with Ashwini Vaishnaw and extend his support towards finding a positive solution.
Expressing satisfaction after the meeting, Wapangtoshi said the governor's warm reception, humility and patient hearing of the representation had renewed hope among people from the Northeast living in Tamil Nadu and those who frequently travel between the two regions.
He expressed optimism that the Chennai–Dimapur train service would be restored in the larger public interest, benefiting thousands of passengers and further strengthening the longstanding relationship between Tamil Nadu and the Northeastern states.