Kohima: The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) is fighting the Northeast Frontier Railway over plans to shut down goods unloading in Dimapur. In an August 10 plea to the Divisional Railway Manager in Lumding, the group demanded a stop to the proposed move. This follows the railway’s August 7 Rates Circular General No. 22 of 2026. Business is at stake.
Dimapur acts as the primary hub for Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland. Goods move through the rail system to reach wholesalers and retailers. The DCCI says sudden changes will trigger higher prices for food, fuel, and building supplies. These costs hit small traders and local families hardest. "Any sudden discontinuation of the present facility, without ensuring a suitable alternative, is likely to have serious and immediate economic consequences for the business community as well as the general public," the chamber stated.
Disruption threatens existing supply chains and forces up logistics fees. To fix this, the DCCI wants the Food Corporation of India (FCI) Siding converted into a temporary unloading zone. They believe this shift preserves movement while avoiding massive price hikes. They insist no changes should occur until the new site handles cargo safely and efficiently. The chamber is waiting for a response to keep the local economy running.
Updated at 11th August 2026 at 5:48am
While digging in their heels against the immediate shutdown, the chamber noted that they actually support railway modernization efforts. They stressed, however, that these upgrades must be implemented in phases rather than all at once to prevent market chaos.
The plea to the Lumding division was signed by the DCCI president and general secretary, emphasizing that the switch to the FCI siding must clear all technical, operational, safety, and administrative hurdles before the current facility closes its doors.
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