The much-anticipated redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has been stalled due to persistent land disputes, encroachment issues, and ongoing legal battles. During the supplementary question hour in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, NPP MLA Nuklutoshi raised concerns about the status of illegal land pattas and eviction efforts. In response, Minister of Health and Family Welfare P. Paiwang Konyak revealed that ₹283 crore has been allocated for the project in 2024, with work divided into two phases. However, 92 encroachers in Phase 1 and 1,067 in Phase 2, along with 40 pending court cases, have led to significant delays. Konyak clarified that the land pattas remain valid due to ongoing litigation, and no evictions have taken place yet. Expressing frustration over the delay, Nuklutoshi suggested diverting the funds to the Tuli constituency if Dimapur’s project remains stalled. However, Konyak defended past government efforts, including discussions with Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) for compensation and a ₹132 crore land resettlement proposal, which NFR declined to fund. He warned that if land issues persist, the project risks losing its funding.
The discussion also touched upon the Amguri-Tuli railway, with BJP MLA A. Panjung Jamir advocating for relocating Tuli railway station closer to town. Konyak confirmed that NFR is willing to extend the railway by 10–12 km, but the state must bear the ₹109.25 crore construction cost—an expense the government has rejected due to financial constraints. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio acknowledged that land disputes continue to obstruct Nagaland’s development and criticized the misuse of Article 371(A). He stressed the importance of upgrading Dimapur Railway Station, given its role as Nagaland’s only commercial hub, and warned that strict measures may be necessary if public cooperation remains lacking.
Rio also emphasized broader infrastructure development, including the foothill road, special economic zones, and the proposed “Naga ki Global City” in Chathe Valley. Calling for action over prolonged debates, he remarked, “We are a rich state, but we have decided to remain poor. Let us blame ourselves.”
