A delegation from the North East India Welfare Association Chennai (NEIWAC) and the Naga Christian Fellowship Chennai (NCF Chennai) met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan in Chennai on July 3 and sought his intervention for the restoration of the Chennai-Dimapur train service, which has remained suspended since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The delegation was led by NEIWAC president and NCF Chennai pastor Wapangtoshi and included Dr Maongnungsang Jamir and Ms Kereineinuo. They submitted a representation highlighting the importance of the Chennai-Dimapur train service for people from the Northeast, particularly those from Nagaland and parts of Assam and Manipur.
According to the delegation, the train had been one of the most dependable and convenient modes of transport for students pursuing higher education, patients seeking specialised medical treatment, businesspersons, working professionals and families travelling to their native places. They stated that the service also played a vital role in strengthening educational, economic, cultural and people-to-people ties between Tamil Nadu and the Northeastern region.
The delegation pointed out that no train originating from Chennai currently passes through Dimapur Railway Station, leaving passengers with travel options that are either time-consuming or significantly more expensive. They said the absence of a direct train has caused considerable hardship, especially for families travelling with elderly members, patients and heavy luggage.
Responding to the representation, Governor Arlekar listened to the concerns raised by the delegation and acknowledged the significance of the issue. He assured the delegation that he would take up the matter with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and support efforts towards finding a positive solution.
Expressing satisfaction after the meeting, Wapangtoshi said the Governor’s warm reception and assurance had renewed hope among people from the Northeast residing in Tamil Nadu. He said the community remained hopeful that the Chennai-Dimapur train service would be restored in the larger public interest and benefit thousands of passengers travelling between Tamil Nadu and the Northeastern States.
