The long-awaited Dimapur-Kohima Railway Project continues to face significant delays due to land encroachment, security concerns, and administrative challenges. These issues were brought to light during a meeting of the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) held at Lumding, where Akuonuo Miachieo, Secretary of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) and a DRUCC member, raised pressing concerns about railway infrastructure in Nagaland.
One of the key challenges impeding progress is the widespread encroachment on railway land in Dimapur. Private settlers have occupied substantial portions of land, leading to legal disputes and compensation claims. These issues have stalled expansion plans at Dimapur Railway Station, preventing much-needed upgrades. To address the matter, Miachieo stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between the Railway Board and the Nagaland State Government.
The inadequate halt time for trains at Dimapur station has also been a major issue. Currently, trains stop for only 2 to 5 minutes, causing inconvenience to passengers, particularly senior citizens and those carrying heavy luggage. Additionally, limited parking facilities have forced some trains to be held in Assam, disrupting schedules. Miachieo proposed increasing the halt time to 15-20 minutes and expanding station infrastructure to accommodate growing passenger traffic.
The construction of the Dimapur-Kohima railway line, especially at Tunnel No. 6 and 7 near Tsiepama village, has been frequently disrupted due to security threats. These interruptions not only delay progress but also put workers at risk. To ensure the smooth continuation of the project, Miachieo emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security measures at critical construction sites.
Delays in land acquisition have further escalated project costs. Compensation disputes and bureaucratic bottlenecks have slowed the construction of tunnels, road over bridges (ROBs), and road under bridges (RUBs). Contractors involved in the project are also facing financial strains due to payment delays. Miachieo urged authorities to fast-track land acquisition processes and ensure timely fund disbursement to avoid further setbacks.
With the increasing number of passengers at Dimapur railway station, securing tickets has become a challenge. Many commuters face last-minute congestion due to limited ticket availability. Miachieo suggested enhancing the ticketing system, increasing seating capacity, and allotting more tickets to streamline passenger movement and reduce overcrowding.
