DIMAPUR, AUG 11 (NPN): Dimapur Railway Freight & Goods Owners’ Association (DRFGOA) has urged the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to reconsider the proposed discontinuation of goods unloading operations at Dimapur Railway Station with effect from August 12 in view of ongoing remodelling works.
In a press release, DRFGOA president Zheito Chophy and general secretary Sanjay Jain said a delegation met the divisional railway manager and senior divisional operations manager of Lumding Division at Lumding on Tuesday and submitted representations highlighting the economic and logistical implications of the proposed move.
The association acknowledged the need for remodelling and modernization of Dimapur Railway Station but urged the Railway administration to adopt a practical arrangement that would allow the works to proceed without disrupting the established goods supply chain.
The association said Dimapur was the principal commercial gateway and logistics centre of Nagaland, through which essential commodities and other goods were transported to different parts of the state and adjoining regions.
It said relocating unloading operations to a distant location would substantially increase transportation, fuel, labour, handling, vehicle and other logistical costs, with the additional burden ultimately likely to be passed on to consumers.
The association said prices of several essential commodities had reportedly already increased by more than 10% following news of the proposed discontinuation, raising concerns over further escalation.
The delegation also highlighted the potential impact on traders, freight and goods owners, transporters, drivers, loading and unloading workers and others whose livelihoods depend on the existing railway goods-handling system in Dimapur.
As an immediate alternative, DRFGOA urged the Railway to consider continuing goods unloading within Dimapur, including temporary use of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) Siding during the remodelling period, subject to technical feasibility, safety requirements and necessary operational arrangements.
The association said its objective was not to obstruct railway development works but to ensure that modernization was carried out without avoidable disruption to the supply chain or additional economic hardship to the public.
It urged the Railway administration to reconsider the proposed discontinuation from August 12, permit continued unloading of railway goods within Dimapur during the remodelling period and explore a temporary, phased or alternative arrangement, including use of the FCI Siding.
DRFGOA expressed confidence that the Railways would consider the matter and arrive at a practical solution balancing the interests of infrastructure development, the business and transport community, workers and the general public.
The association reiterated its commitment to pursuing the matter through peaceful, democratic and constructive means.
Friday, September 4, 2026