Urgent: Dimapur Railway Station’s Ambitious Redevelopment Threatened by Rampant Illegal Encroachments
The Railway Contractors’ Union Nagaland (RCUN) has thrown its weight behind the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) in raising awareness about the pressing need for the redevelopment of the Dimapur Railway Station. Established in 1903 by the British, this station is a vital railhead in Nagaland, generating the highest per-capita revenue under the Northeast Frontier Railways. The station is earmarked for transformation into a world-class facility under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, aimed at enhancing economic prospects for Nagaland’s citizens.
However, RCUN raised alarm over illegal land encroachments that threaten these ambitious redevelopment plans. Despite directives from Lumding Divisional Headquarters, the Railway Department and Dimapur District Authorities have been unsuccessful in curbing these encroachments. Citing the Railway Act of 1989, RCUN underscored the legal mandate against construction near railway properties, warning that continued non-compliance could derail development efforts.
RCUN called on the Northeast Frontier Railways and Dimapur District Administration to take coordinated action to evict unauthorized occupants under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act 1971, but insisted that due compensation must be provided to legitimate landholders. Furthermore, the Union spotlighted the complicity of land mafias and corrupt officials in facilitating these illegal activities, urging a crackdown on corruption to pave the way for successful redevelopment.
The Union also criticized the lax attitude of VVIPs toward the project, questioning their detachment due to preferential air travel. Stressing the importance of railway transport as an affordable and safe means for the general populace, RCUN urged civic bodies and community leaders to help safeguard public lands.
Notably, options at the station are so limited that the Nagaland Express was moved to Assam. RCUN has called for increased ticket quotas from the Northeast Frontier Railways to ensure the local community benefits from the improvements.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/dimapur-railway-station-redevelopment-at-risk-due-to-illegal-encroachments-rcun
Category : Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-01-15 22:45:00
