The Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) was mulling to start passenger train service between Tuli to Dimapur on a trial basis. This was some of the issues discussed regarding development of railway connectivity during the meeting between Business Association of Nagas (BAN) delegation led by its president LM Jamir and NFR led by General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastav on March 26 at NFR headquarters, Maligaon, Guwahati.
After thorough deliberation regarding development of Tuli railway station, Shrivastav, assured the BAN delegation that a high-level team would visit Tuli railway station soon to assess the feasibility of initiating Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) passenger train services between Tuli and Dimapur on a trial basis, operating three to four days a week. BAN assured to assist NFR in securing the necessary land for the expansion of Tuli railway station and to provide all required assistance for its operation.
The meeting also deliberated on development of world-class railway station at Dimapur, freight discount beyond 600km, increasing stoppage time of trains at Dimapur Station and One Station One Product (OSOP) scheme.
Development of world-class railway station: Even as the Central government had declared to develop the Dimapur railway station into a world-class facility, the GM, however, said that in view of the land encroachment issue, it was decided to have the project implemented in a phased manner.
Under the first phase, he said that those areas that are under the current possession of N.F. Railway would be developed. Shrivastav said that the subsequent phases would depend on land availability.
In response, BAN expressed its full support and commitment to assist in all possible ways throughout the development process.
Freight discount: With regard to the request of BAN to extend freight discounts beyond 600km for emerging states, the principal chief commercial manager of NFR asked the BAN members to draft a proposal outlining the quantity and frequency of off-take for evaluation and consideration.
Stoppage time for trains: BAN members also stressed on the need to increase the stoppage time for trains at Dimapur station, keeping in mind the safety and challenges faced by ever increasing travellers at Dimapur station.
NFR said that in order to extend stoppage time, upgradation of Dimapur station for technical services such as servicing, watering, and greasing was necessary. NFR, however, stressed that the land dispute must be resolved first.
One Station One Product: During the meeting, Principal Chief Commercial Manager emphasized the concept of the “One Station One Product” scheme of the Railway, and suggested BAN to play an active role in connecting the beneficiaries from Nagaland with the Railways. This way, NFR said that the State can utilize the existing infrastructure for OSOP developed by the Railways at stations all across India at a minimal rental rate.
In this regard, BAN assured to collaborate with NF Railway and explore all possibilities to leverage the infrastructure effectively through active involvement of its members.