A Brief interview with Congress leader Rajesh Kumar Sethi - a city dweller for decades !!
Dimapur is the largest city and municipality in the state of Nagaland.
The township city is the main gateway and commercial centre of Nagaland. Located near the border with Assam on two sides along the banks of the Dhansiri River, the railway station is the second busiest station in Northeast India.
The 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in)-wide 'metre-gauge' railway earlier was laid by the Assam Bengal Railway from Chittagong (now in Bangladesh) to Lumding was extended to Tinsukia on the Dibru–Sadiya line in 1903.
Thus, Dimapur entered the railway map.
The project for the conversion of the Lumding–Dibrugarh section from metre gauge to 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge was completed by the end of 1997.
Rajesh Sethi fields a few topical questions on the new projects:
# The Dimapur railway station is in news... Modernisstion, renovation and new works are to come. As someone who grew up in Dimapur, also the commercial hub of Nagaland, you must be excited ?
Rajesh Sethi :
Yes. We all are excited in Dimapur. Hence all stakeholders are on. People will rise above all social and political differences for the grand success of yhe projects.
Railway authorities have also urged local residents to refrain from constructing illegal structures on railway land.
Look, the Dimapur railway station has served as a crucial transport hub for over a century. We are glad it as been selected under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme redevelopment.
(Note: The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a program by the Ministry of Railways under the Modi Govt to modernize railway stations across India.
The scheme was launched in February 2023.)
Rajesh Sethi
# How do you look at the proposed work projects ? And kind of developmental influence it will have ?
Rajesh Sethi :
You see Dimapur town and railway station have a history of their own. They changed the economic situation in this region decades back.
In addition to upgrading Dimapur railway station, the doubling of railway tracks between Lumding and Furkating in Assam via Dimapur has also been sanctioned. Both the projects would be undertaken simultaneously, boosting railway connectivity and enhancing transport infrastructures.
However, there are issues.
The approach taken by the railway authorities and the government—issuing eviction notices and dismantling long-standing settlements in the name of development—is deeply concerning.
The people residing and running businesses in the area for over a century have made significant contributions to Dimapur’s growth. Their rights and livelihoods cannot be ignored.
# But encroachment cannot be tolerated.
Rajesh Sethi :
Do not get me wrong. Development is necessary, but it must be inclusive and balanced, ensuring that progress benefits all rather than displacing communities that have long been part of Dimapur’s social and economic fabric.
We have seen it all. Instead of investing huge sums in demolishing properties, compensating affected families, and attempting to redevelop a congested area, a more effective and forward-thinking solution would be to establish a New Dimapur Railway Station at an alternative site.
# And can you tell us about the benefits?
Rajesh Sethi :
Look here, I am a Congress politician but I am also a businessman myself.
A new railway station in a different location would lead to expanded infrastructure, new commercial opportunities, and increased investments in the area.
One immediate positive impact will be that the construction and operation of a new station would generate jobs for fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Moreover, from my experience I can tell you that instead of forcing displacement, funds can be better utilized in expansion projects.
# People are also talking about congestion ?
Rajesh Sethi : Yes and there are merits in that argument. A second railway station would help decongest Dimapur’s existing station, improving passenger experience and operational efficiency.
# Do you think the services and amenities can be improved in the existing station site ?
Rajesh Sethi : I can suggest a few.
Installation of escalators for easy movement between Platform 1 and Platforms 2 & 3, ensuring convenience for elderly passengers, women, and differently-abled individuals. Broadening of Platforms 2 & 3 by removing one track to enhance passenger safety and comfort.
Complete roofing over Platforms 2 and 3 will provide protection from weather conditions.
Finally, I must say we all will have a a safe and pleasant trip and will come back with great stories!. (smiles)
Ends
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