In response to the starred question raised by MLA Nuklutoshi regarding the modernization of Dimapur Railway Station into a world-class facility, Health & Family Welfare Minister P. Paiwang Konyak informed the assembly that the Railway Ministry has sanctioned the required funds for the project under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme. He further stated that the tender formalities have been completed and the project is slated to begin by March 2025.
Regarding the encroachment of railway land at Dimapur, Konyak shared that several measures are being taken, including the exploration of eviction options by the Estate Officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) under the PPE Act of 1971. The government is also exploring a resettlement plan. However, the Railways have expressed their inability to pay compensation amounting to Rs. 132 crore, according to a preliminary assessment. The land issue could delay the proposed project, but both the government of Nagaland and NFR have decided to commence the project on land that is free from encumbrances.
When asked by MLA Nuklutoshi about whether land pattas issued earlier have been canceled and if any evictions have taken place, Minister Konyak stated that the pattas could not be canceled because the land occupants had taken the matter to court. No evictions have occurred as the cases are still under litigation.
The Minister further revealed that a spot verification and land-upgradation survey of the Dimapur Railway area has been carried out. The NFR is expected to submit a list of encroachers along with land patta documents, after which a joint survey will be conducted. The survey results will be submitted to the state government for further action. Konyak emphasized that the prolonged land occupation and the government’s inability to protect the land make it necessary for the Railway authorities to consider the proposed resettlement plan.
On the status of the Amguri-Tuli Railway, Konyak clarified that currently only goods are being transported, as NFR stopped passenger services due to low revenue returns.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also addressed the issue of land protection under Article 371(A), which grants special provisions for Nagas. He lamented that some have taken advantage of this protection, leading to problems. Rio urged landowners to cooperate with the government for a reasonable resolution and suggested that resettlement could be a viable option.
The Chief Minister informed the House that the Ministry of Railways had approved the Tuli-Dimapur railway line in 2011-12, with the condition that land would be provided free of cost. However, the people have insisted that the land be provided only if the foothill road is completed first. Rio assured that the state government would engage with both the Ministry and local people to reach a positive outcome.