Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has escalated efforts to accelerate the long-delayed expansion of Dimapur Airport, the state’s only air connectivity hub, citing its national importance and rising safety concerns linked to operational limitations. Despite some advancements, a crucial 18.8-acre land parcel currently occupied by the Assam Rifles has not yet been transferred, hindering Phase I of the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) Master Plan for the airport’s development. This issue was a primary focus during a high-level inter-ministerial meeting in New Delhi on July 1, chaired by Abhijit Sinha, the Additional Secretary (Police-II) at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The meeting, following persistent efforts by both Chief Minister Rio and Chief Secretary Dr. J. Alam, included representatives from the Transport Department, AAI, Dimapur Airport, and the Assam Rifles. The Nagaland delegation highlighted that the unresolved land transfer is the main obstacle to upgrading a crucial regional infrastructure that serves not only Nagaland but also parts of Assam and Manipur within a 100-km radius.
Previously, the state government had resolved a legal dispute over 17.9 acres of encroached land, successfully transferring it to the AAI. Moreover, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vacated 8.4 acres to aid the expansion, and the Assam Rifles received alternative land at Shokhuvi, where a new, fully operational training center has been established.
In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Rio expressed concerns that the inability to expand Dimapur Airport poses serious safety and operational risks. He pointed out that with the CRPF and the state government fulfilling their obligations, the Assam Rifles should no longer need to retain the remaining land. “Multiple representations have been made, yet the approval remains pending,” Rio stated, urging the MHA for urgent intervention.
Additionally, Chief Secretary Dr. J. Alam addressed the Union Home Secretary in a separate communication, confirming that the Assam Rifles is prepared to vacate the land, pending an MHA directive. He also noted that, since this is a transfer between two central government agencies, no financial compensation is required. “The transfer can be made on an ‘as-is-where-is’ basis,” Dr. Alam emphasized, calling for immediate action.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to the expansion of Dimapur Airport as both a strategic and economic necessity. With the July 1 meeting signaling a pivotal moment in inter-agency negotiations, attention is now on the MHA to provide the long-awaited approval to facilitate the land transfer and initiate Phase I of the project.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/nagaland/story/nagaland-cm-rio-seeks-mha-nod-to-unlock-dimapur-airport-expansion-1238291-2025-07-02?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-07-02 15:39:00
