March 9, Kohima: The state transport department is working to resolve the issues related to the Dimapur Railway Station as quickly as possible.
Responding to a supplementary question in the assembly today, Transport Minister P. Paiwang Konyak said that the central government, through the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, has sanctioned an amount of 283 crore rupees to develop the Dimapur railway station into a world-class railway station.
He said that an official survey was conducted in December last year, and issues, including land compensation, have been communicated to the concerned authorities. Mr. Konyak said that the matter will be pursued once a response is received.
Highlighting the progress on the modernization of Dimapur Railway Station, the Minister said that the upgrade works had begun in July 2025.
He informed that while the foundation work for the Relay Battery Generator building is complete, the foundation work for the two towers of the staff quarter and office building is underway.
Raising the concern during the session, MLA Nuklutoshi said that 614 families are illegally occupying encroached railway land, most of whom were non-Nagas.
Approximately 30.283 hectares out of the 53.806 hectares of railway land have been encroached upon, with about 1,100 illegal structures, including houses, shops, buildings, and schools, he noted.
He added that there are three possible options to address the issue: the state government paying about 132 crore rupees for a resettlement plan, conducting forced eviction, or relocating the railway station to a new location.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio noted that developmental activities in the states are often delayed due to land-related issues, highlighting the Dimapur Railway Station as one such example.
He said that the Dimapur Railway Station opened in 1903, years before Nagaland attained statehood and received provisions under Article 371A in the Constitution. However, he lamented that encroachments occurred over the years with the railways remaining silent, and administrative authorities issuing land deeds in the area concerned.
Mr. Rio assured that the state government would take up the issue with the railways and ensure that landowners receive some compensation, although not at the "double rate" as reportedly sought by landowners.
The Chief Minister suggested talks with railway authorities to reach an amicable settlement.