Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Lumding, Pankaj Jain on Thursday said “widening works of railway lines No. 2 and 3” at Dimapur railway station had been stalled due to the ‘status quo’ order issued by the district court following a case filed by some parties who were evicted by railway authorities.
Addressing media persons, Pankaj Jain who was in Dimapur on Thursday to inspect the condition of Dimapur railway station, said around 50 households that had encroached railways land were evicted in a ‘proper manner’ in the presence of magistrates and police in 2014. However, he said around 15-16 households claiming to have land pattas, “illegally issued by the state government”, filed a case in the court which ordered status quo owing to which development works in the station has been stalled.
Jain said that the state government would be submitting a written statement to the court regarding its position on the case by August 31, 2016.
On the slow progress of development at Dimapur railway station, NFR authorities stated the severe financial crunch of the state government between 2009-2012 was one of the reasons. In this regard, the railway authorities have called on the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee and Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee to facilitate the railways to tackle the land problem.
Jain also assured that cleanliness of Dimapur railway station would be a priority, particularly Nagaland Express and BG Express, the only trains that originates from Dimapur. He however informed that the lack of water supply system at Dimapur station was an issue as the trains had to depend on Lumding station for cleaning. Jain also informed that the railways have a long-term plan to shift the current goods yard to Rangapahar, with initiation from the state government to develop the roads.
Earlier, the DRM during his visit inaugurated Upper Class AC Waiting Hall at the railway station.
Reward for best ideas
NFR on Thursday announced reward for best suggestion for improvement of passenger amenities and facelift of Dimapur Railway Station. The Railways have sought suggestions from individuals, NGOs, entrepreneurs, civil authorities for improvement of passenger amenities and face lift of Dimapur station accompanied with photographs and drawings, if required, and submit it to DRM, Lumding NF Railway or email it to dimapurrail@gmail.com within August 30, 2016.