Kohima: The ambitious Dimapur-Kohima Railway Project is grappling with substantial setbacks, primarily stemming from infrastructural, administrative, and security challenges.
During a recent Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting held in Lumding, Akuonuo Miachieo, Secretary of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) and a DRUCC member, brought to light the escalating issues that are hampering the region’s railway network.
A key point of contention is the rampant land encroachment plaguing Dimapur Railway Station. A significant portion of railway land has been illegally occupied by private settlers, leading to protracted legal battles and compensation disputes. These issues have severely impeded the station’s expansion and upgrade plans. To resolve this impasse, a collaborative dialogue between the Railway Board and the Nagaland State Government has been proposed.
Passengers at Dimapur station are also facing considerable inconvenience due to the brief 2-5 minute halt duration of trains. This short stopover, particularly problematic for elderly passengers and those with heavy luggage, is compounded by the lack of adequate parking space, forcing trains to be held in Assam and disrupting schedules. To address this, an extension of halt times to 15-20 minutes, along with an expansion of platform and parking facilities, has been recommended.
The ongoing construction of the Dimapur-Kohima Railway Project, notably at Tunnels No. 6 and 7 near Tsiepama village, is frequently disrupted by security concerns. These disruptions not only delay construction but also endanger workers. Enhanced security measures at critical construction sites are urgently needed to ensure the project’s smooth progression.
Delays in land acquisition have also significantly inflated project costs. Compensation disputes and bureaucratic hurdles have slowed down the construction of tunnels, road over bridges (ROB), and road under bridges (RUB). Contractors are also facing increased operational costs and payment delays. To mitigate these issues, fast-tracking land acquisition and ensuring timely fund release are crucial.
Finally, the rising passenger traffic at Dimapur railway station necessitates an improved ticketing system to alleviate last-minute congestion. Many passengers struggle to secure tickets, leading to travel inconvenience. To accommodate this demand, increased ticket allotment and additional seating capacity are required, along with the implementation of a more efficient ticketing system.
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