Multiple taxation, poor roads hurting Dimapur economy: DRFGOA

Dimapur Railway, Freight and Goods Owners’ Association (DRFGOA) has expressed serious concern over the escalating economic challenges in Dimapur.
DRFGOA president Zheito Chophy stated that Dimapur, recognised as Nagaland’s commercial hub catering also to neighbouring Manipur and other states, has been hit hard by multiple taxation imposed by various groups.
DRFGOA said that from November 2024 to March 2025, arrival of railway wagons carrying essential items had drastically declined to only 40-50 wagons per month, forcing most unloading to Guwahati, Bokajan and Jorhat, leading to huge GST revenue losses for Nagaland. Many entrepreneurs, it said, have also shifted operations to Guwahati, Lahorijan, Khatkhati, Bokajan and Jorhat, from where goods are now directly transported to Nagaland and Manipur, resulting in revenue generation for Assam.
Even within the state, many consumers now prefer to purchase essential goods and construction materials from outside due to comparatively lower prices, it added.
DRFGOA said it had repeatedly appealed to all Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) to grant exemption from multiple taxation in the larger public interest. With positive response of some NNPGs, the association said it was able to import more than 100 wagons every month, thereby contributing significantly to the state exchequer through GST. However, it lamented that some groups were yet to respond positively and once again urged them to prioritise public welfare and economic prosperity of the state.
DRFGOA said it acknowledged and respected the sacrifices and commitment of NNPGs in safeguarding the rights and aspirations of Nagas. It maintained that the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks remained central to the collective hopes of Nagas and expressed optimism that it would lead to an honourable solution– one that preserved Naga identity, upheld dignity, ensured lasting peace, and enabled the Nagas to thrive with self-respect and self-determination.
Highlighting poor road connectivity, it said that every year the four-lane Dimapur-Kohima road remained blocked for four to five months, while restrictions on Lalmati-10th Mile stretch and Wokha-Tseminyu road severely hampered movement of wagons and heavy vehicles.
In this regard, DRFGOA urged the state government to construct a two-lane road from Niuland to 10th Mile, Tseminyu, extending to Kohima via Hovishe and Ghotovi villages, and to introduce a regulated crossing system with levied fees to ensure smooth transportation and strengthen state revenue.