Dimapur, July 21: Advisor for Railways & Airports, Government of Nagaland, and MLA, Pongshi Phom, on Monday inspected the proposed Modern Railway Station project and Dimapur Airport along with senior government officials and railway authorities to review the progress and discuss key issues related to both infrastructure projects.
A meeting was held at the Dimapur Railway Station following a circular issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur. The meeting was attended by officials from the Transport Department, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the Deputy Commissioner’s office, and other concerned departments to deliberate on matters relating to the proposed Modern Railway Station under Phase-I.
Speaking exclusively to Nagaland News Network (NNN) after the inspection, Advisor Pongshi Phom said that the discussion with railway authorities mainly focused on the challenges affecting the project. He stated that land encroachment continues to be one of the major concerns highlighted by the railway authorities.
On the issue of compensation for members of the Railway Land Owners Association, Phom said the compensation process has not yet been completed but assured that the concerned authorities are expected to address the matter soon.
Clarifying the terminology surrounding the project, Phom said that the proposed “World Class Railway Station” and the “Modern Railway Station” essentially refer to the same project.
The Advisor later inspected Dimapur Airport and chaired a meeting with officials to assess the status of the proposed airport expansion.
Speaking to Nagaland Newspaper Network after the meeting, Phom said the discussions were aimed at identifying the issues that need to be resolved before the expansion work can begin. He stated that the airport expansion will commence once the remaining land under the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC) is vacated.
He further stressed that the issue requires mutual understanding among all stakeholders, adding that discussions with all parties concerned are essential and that no decision can be imposed by force.
The inspection forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to expedite two of Nagaland’s key infrastructure projects, both of which are expected to significantly improve connectivity and boost economic development in the state.
