Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUG 27 (NPN): Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir visited the railway ticket counter at the Multi-Level Parking in Kohima on August 27, where he reviewed the functioning of the facility and highlighted several pressing issues faced by the department. His visit underscored concerns about outdated equipment, inadequate reservation quotas for Nagaland passengers and delays in railway infrastructure projects.
Jamir emphasized that the ticketing facility was crucial for the people of Nagaland, as it provided access to railway reservations without requiring them to travel to other states. While acknowledging the State government’s provision of space for the counter, he noted that much of the equipment being used was outdated and required immediate attention from the Railway Ministry.
He stressed that passengers should not face difficulties in securing reservations and promised to take up the matter with the concerned authorities.
One of the key issues raised was the limited reservation quota for trains passing through Dimapur Railway Station. Jamir pointed out that services such as the Shatabdi and Nagaland Special offered insufficient quota for Nagaland passengers, forcing many to book tickets from stations in neighboring states. He argued that Kohima and Dimapur served as important transit centers with substantial passenger traffic and therefore Nagaland deserved an adequate reservation quota. He assured that he would pursue the matter with the Railway Ministry and if necessary, raise it in Parliament during the winter session.
Jamir also discussed the functioning of the ticket counter, noting that while the existing arrangement was satisfactory, the immediate requirement was upgrading its facilities and expanding reservation opportunities. He was scheduled to meet railway authorities in Dimapur the following day to further deliberate on these issues.
On the subject of railway revenue, Jamir highlighted that Nagaland contributed substantial revenue to the Railways despite receiving comparatively fewer facilities and reservation benefits.
He expressed hope that the Railway Ministry would recognize this contribution and provide better facilities to the State.
Addressing broader railway development in Nagaland, Jamir acknowledged that the State had faced neglect but also pointed out that internal challenges, particularly land acquisition, had contributed to delays.
He cited the proposed modernization and development of Dimapur Railway Station as an example, noting that although sanctions and funds had been made available, the lack of required land had stalled progress. Construction was proceeding in a piecemeal manner, with contractors working on portions of the project whenever land became available. Jamir maintained that unless the land issue was resolved, Nagaland would continue to face delays in securing modern railway infrastructure. He urged the State government to make renewed efforts to resolve land-related issues so that sanctioned projects could be implemented within stipulated timelines.
Jamir also commented on infrastructure delays caused by difficult terrain and weather conditions. He argued that such challenges should have been adequately assessed during the preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs) and before construction began. He questioned why climatic conditions, soil characteristics and landslide risks were later cited as reasons for delays when similar projects were being successfully implemented in other northeastern states such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. He stressed that contractors and authorities should have undertaken proper verification of ground realities and prepared concrete plans capable of addressing foreseeable challenges.
He reiterated that adverse weather and landslides should not be used as the sole justification for delays, as these conditions were predictable in Nagaland. Jamir maintained that with proper planning and preparation, projects could be completed within their stipulated timelines.
During the visit, officials led by Assistant General Manager Metsiviko Meyase briefed the MP on the various issues faced by the department and urged him to relay their grievances to the Railway Ministry. Jamir assured them that he would pursue the matter vigorously with the authorities to secure improved railway facilities and greater reservation access for the people of Nagaland.