DUCCF backs DCCI plea against railway facility closure

DIMAPUR, AUG 11 (NPN): Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) has supported the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s (DCCI) representation to Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) against the proposed closure or discontinuation of unloading operations at the existing railway goods facility in Dimapur.
In a representation addressed to the divisional railway manager, Lumding Division, NFR, through the deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato and general secretary Bokato Wotsa urged the railway authorities to consider continuation of the existing arrangement or permit temporary unloading operations at the Food Corporation of India (FCI) Siding, Dimapur.
The federation acknowledged the operational requirements and modernization initiatives of NFR but said decisions involving the movement and unloading of essential commodities should also take into account their economic and social impact on the public.
DUCCF said Dimapur served as a major commercial gateway and distribution hub for Nagaland and that disruption of the existing railway goods-handling system could affect traders, transporters, retailers and consumers across the region.
It expressed concern that abrupt discontinuation of the existing facility without a viable alternative could increase transportation and handling costs, disrupt supply chains and delay the movement of essential commodities, ultimately leading to higher market prices.
The federation said any additional logistics costs would eventually be passed on to consumers, particularly affecting households already facing rising living expenses.
It said increases in the prices of food grains, essential commodities, construction materials and other daily necessities should be viewed as a public welfare concern rather than merely a commercial issue.
DUCCF said it therefore supported DCCI’s proposal to use the FCI Siding as an alternative or temporary unloading point, subject to necessary technical, operational, safety and statutory clearances.
It urged NFR not to abruptly discontinue the existing unloading arrangement until a practical, adequate and fully operational alternative was in place.
The federation said railway modernization and administrative changes should facilitate economic development and public convenience rather than create additional hardship for consumers.
The federation appealed to the competent authorities to reconsider the proposed closure, arrange an alternative unloading facility at the FCI Siding and ensure uninterrupted movement of essential commodities.
It also called for an early decision in the interest of public welfare, price stability, supply chain continuity and the economic interests of Dimapur and neighbouring districts.
DUCCF expressed confidence that NFR would consider the concerns raised by the business community and grassroots representatives.