Dimapur Groups Oppose Railway Goods Facility Shutdown

Kohima: Dimapur business and civic leaders are pushing back against the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) plan to stop goods unloading at the Dimapur station starting August 12. The shutdown stems from ongoing remodelling work at the site. Now, local groups demand a halt to the plan.

The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) and the Dimapur Railway Freight and Goods Owners’ Association (DRFGOA) joined forces to pressure the Lumding Division authorities. Both groups argue that Dimapur acts as the primary commercial hub for Nagaland. Closing the current facility threatens the flow of essential commodities. Supplies will dry up.

DRFGOA leaders Zheito Chophy and Sanjay Jain met with the divisional railway manager and senior divisional operations manager on Tuesday to deliver their formal objections. They warned that moving operations to a distant location would spike transportation, fuel, and labor costs. Prices for daily necessities have already jumped by more than 10 percent since news of the closure broke. Costs will land on the consumer.

The DUCCF, led by president Zasivikho Zakiesato and general secretary Bokato Wotsa, filed a separate representation through the Dimapur deputy commissioner. They argue that infrastructure upgrades should serve the public, not cause economic hardship. The federation noted that any added logistics expenses will eventually reach households already struggling with living costs. "Railway modernization and administrative changes should facilitate economic development and public convenience rather than create additional hardship for consumers."

Both associations suggest using the Food Corporation of India (FCI) Siding in Dimapur as a temporary unloading site while the station undergoes construction. They claim this move remains technically feasible if safety and operational clearances are met. The groups maintain they do not oppose modernizing the station, provided the supply chain remains intact. They are demanding a phased approach to protect traders, transporters, and the public welfare.