Dimapur Railway Station redevelopment at risk due to illegal encroachments: RCUN

January 16, 2025 40 Views No Comment

Land mafias, corrupt officials facilitating illegal land grabs
VVIPs apathy toward redevelopment of Railway Station

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 16 (MExN): The Railway Contractors’ Union Nagaland (RCUN) has expressed its support for the growing awareness around the redevelopment issue of Dimapur Railway Station, particularly praising the recent press statement issued by the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU).

While appreciating the DNSU’s statement, RCUN also highlighted several significant challenges in the redevelopment process, particularly the issue of illegal encroachments on Railway land, which pose serious obstacles to the ambitious project. RCUN emphasized that Indian Railways has played a crucial role in improving transportation and providing employment across the country since the post-independence era, with the Dimapur Railway Station being a key example of this development.

It stated that Dimapur Railway Station, set up by the British in 1903, has grown into the major railhead of Nagaland and is currently the highest Rail Per-Capita Revenue earning Railway Station under the Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR). Thanks to initiatives by the Central Government, the station is slated for redevelopment as part of the Amrit Bharat Scheme, which aims to transform it into a world-class facility, enhancing economic opportunities for the citizens of Nagaland.

However, RCUN expressed concern that illegal encroachments on Railway land are undermining the redevelopment efforts. The Union noted that despite clear directives from the Lumding Divisional Headquarters, the Railway Department and Dimapur District Authorities have failed to take action against the encroachers. RCUN pointed out that the Railway Act of 1989, under Chapter-VIII A, mandates a clear demarcation of railway property, prohibiting any construction or encroachment near railway tracks, a rule which has been repeatedly violated over time.

RCUN stressed that if corrective action is not taken immediately, Nagaland risks losing the opportunity to develop Dimapur as a world-class railway station. In this regard, the Union called upon the concerned authorities, including the Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) and the Dimapur District Administration, to work together to evict the illegal encroachers under the provisions of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act 1971. However, RCUN emphasized that the eviction process must ensure due compensation to affected, legitimate landholders.

The Union also raised concerns about the role of land mafias and corrupt officials within the land revenue department and district administration, accusing them of facilitating illegal land grabs in Dimapur. RCUN urged that the circle of corruption be broken to allow for the proper redevelopment of the Dimapur Railway Station, warning that without such measures, similar development programs would continue to be thwarted, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

In addition, RCUN called on the public to respect public property, including Railway land, and avoid illegal encroachments that endanger both the development of the Railway Station and the safety of the people. The Union also appealed to civic bodies, village councils, and public leaders to take action against illegal land grabs for the greater benefit of the community.

Further compounding the issue, RCUN pointed out that the Nagaland Express, originally planned to originate from Dimapur, has now been shifted to Assam due to a lack of space at the station for proper parking and originating. The Union also requested that Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) increase the ticket quotas for passengers boarding at Dimapur, ensuring that local residents benefit from the redevelopment process.

RCUN also expressed disappointment over the perceived apathy of VVIPs toward the redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station, questioning if it is because they are so habituated in travelling by Air that they have lost the common touch. The Union reminded that the Railway is the cheapest and safest mode of transport for middle and lower-class people, especially for families, students, traders, and regular commuters.