9th August 2025: BJP Nagaland State President Benjamin Yepthomi, along with former MLAs and representatives from the Dimapur Railway Union, met Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi to push for the revival of the long-pending redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted that Dimapur Railway Station is Nagaland’s busiest transport hub and a vital gateway to the entire Northeast. Serving thousands of passengers daily, the station connects Nagaland with Assam and the rest of India, playing a crucial role in trade, tourism, and interstate connectivity.
A Century-Old Landmark in Need of Modernisation
Established in 1903 by the Assam Bengal Railway, Dimapur Railway Station is Nagaland’s oldest rail facility and remains a key commercial entry point for the state. However, despite handling an estimated 7,000–8,000 passengers daily, the station has faced neglect over the years, with several major train services relocated elsewhere and infrastructure struggling to meet growing demand.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a ₹283 crore redevelopment plan had been approved to transform Dimapur into a modern, world-class station. Proposed upgrades include:
Expanding the terminal from 5,160 sqm to 17,484 sqm
Spacious waiting areas and food plazas
Eco-friendly designs with solar panels and rainwater harvesting
Modern security systems and better platform connectivity
Enhanced goods handling and parking facilities
Stalled by Land Encroachment and Delays
Despite the project’s approval, progress has been stalled due to nearly 30 hectares of railway land being under encroachment and delays in coordination between Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and the state government. Officials had previously indicated that construction would start in early March 2025 with a three-year completion target, alongside the doubling of the Lumding–Furkating railway track that passes through Dimapur.
Urging Swift Action
Benjamin Yepthomi and the delegation stressed that the redevelopment is not just about passenger comfort—it is about economic growth, regional trade, and strengthening Dimapur’s role as a logistical hub for the Northeast. They urged the Railway Minister to prioritise the project, remove existing bottlenecks, and ensure work begins without further delay.
