Freight runs continue; MP Supongmeren Jamir assures push for revival
Tuli Railway Station continues to remain non-functional for passenger services despite generating significant revenue from freight operations, with locals raising concerns during a visit by Member of Parliament Supongmeren Jamir on April 14.
During his visit, the MP inspected the station, reviewed its status, and heard grievances from the public, including landowners who said they are yet to receive compensation.
According to Nukshimatong, SDO (C) Tuli, the station has not been functioning for passenger services for several years and currently operates only as a temporary facility.
“At present, it is not a full-fledged station. It is being used only for transportation of goods such as coal and boulders,” the SDO said.
Currently, the Tuli railhead functions as a coal depot, with coal extracted from the region transported to Assam and beyond.
Tuli Railway Station had earlier operated passenger services between 2002 and 2007, after which services were discontinued. Since then, it has remained limited to goods movement.
Despite this, the station continues to generate substantial revenue. According to the Business Association of Nagas (BAN), it earned around Rs 24 crore in 2023–24 through freight, even as passenger services remain suspended.
RECAP | Tuli railway station revenue stands at Rs 24 crore in 2023-24 despite ‘pathetic situation’
Over the years, there have been repeated efforts to revive the station and extend passenger services to Tuli. The demand has been raised by civil society organisations, public representatives and other stakeholders.
Officials said the station holds strategic importance and could benefit multiple districts including Mokokchung, Longleng, Tuensang, Shamator, Noklak and Mon if revived.
Locals also pointed out that efforts to upgrade the station into a full-fledged passenger facility have persisted for years without concrete progress.
“Since BAN is also pursuing the issue, we were told that services were expected to resume from July 2025, but till today it has not materialised,” said I Temsu Jamir, who was present as a party representative.
RECAP | Push for BG Express train extension to Tuli gains momentum
Responding to the concerns, MP Jamir said he would take up the issue with higher authorities and push for revival of passenger services. He has previously raised the matter in Parliament, urging the Centre to extend train services from Mariani in Assam to Tuli.
The MP was in Tuli to inaugurate the Tuliyong Community Hall, a locally funded project with a seating capacity of around 300 and constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 25 lakh.
RECAP | Tuli Railway Station: Efforts underway to revive passenger train services
Following the visit, he also held a closed-door meeting with Tuli Town Councillors.
