Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUL 9 (NPN): Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Elections, Tovihoto H. Ayemi, along with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, inspected the ongoing development works at Dimapur Railway Station on Thursday, as residents of nearby colonies pressed for permanent road connectivity.
Speaking to the media after the inspection, Ayemi said the visit was aimed at addressing public concerns over disruptions caused by construction. He expressed satisfaction that the railway station had been selected under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), which seeks to upgrade railway stations with world-class facilities, but acknowledged that the process had inconvenienced residents. “The main concern is the disturbance faced by the public during construction. We have taken up the matter with railway authorities, and discussions will continue with the Deputy Commissioner,” he stated.
Ayemi pointed out that several colonies behind the station, including SM Colony, KK Colony, Vilhume Colony, Netaji Colony, and Medical Colony, were facing difficulties due to blocked or disconnected roads. Residents have demanded clarity on a permanent road, as their earlier access route was affected by the project.
He informed that the district administration and railway authorities had jointly surveyed the area after receiving petitions from affected colonies and assured that the issue would be resolved through consultations. While he did not specify a completion date, Ayemi expressed hope that the project would be finished at the earliest. He also said the administration and police would monitor the station area to prevent illegal activities.
DC explained that the inspection was conducted in response to petitions regarding road closure and the need for an alternative route. While a temporary road has been opened, he stressed that a more “viable and permanent solution” was necessary, especially considering flooding during monsoon. He clarified that railway authorities had not denied opening a road but discussions were ongoing about its location and measurement.
Land-related issues involving patta holders are under review by the High-Powered Committee, with steps to follow after scrutiny of documents.
On alleged extortion or disruption at the worksite, he confirmed that no official complaints had been received and construction was progressing smoothly.
Residents, however, voiced strong concerns.
Chairman of Netaji-Railway Colony, Wekhro K. Mero, said the closure of the existing road had caused serious inconvenience, particularly for students and the elderly.
“Our demand is clear. We need permanent road. The earlier road existed since the British era, but now it has been blocked. A temporary road is not a solution,” he said.
Advocate K.K. Paul, president of Dimapur Bengali Samaj, echoed the sentiment, stressing that the area houses over 7,000 people. “We support the world-class railway station, but not at the expense of thousands of residents who depend on this road,” he reiterated.
The inspection highlighted both the promise of modern infrastructure under ABSS and the pressing need to balance development with public access. For Dimapur’s residents, the demand remains simple: a permanent road that ensures connectivity while the railway station undergoes transformation.