Expansion and development of Dimapur railway station into a world class station with an allotted budget of Rs.283 crore for which works would begin on April 30,2024 as assured by the Northeast Frontier Railway(NFR) Maligaon, will have to go through the humongous task of eviction and demolition of occupiers and unauthorized structures that began since the 70s.
The NFR officials have been complicit in doing precious little to halt or prevent encroachment since temporary permits were issued by some employees of Northeast Frontier Railway( NFR). Besides occupiers, both legal or illegal, the development project could face roadblock since the entire stretch required for expansion covering a large area that were used as godown area under erstwhile Fullerganj Bazar, have been transformed into huge multi-storey buildings.
Also right in the middle of the railway station are three religious structures which seem out of place in what is supposed to be a busy passenger terminal area. One adjacent to the entry was used for non-religious purpose such as rest/transit place and under lock and key for many days.
Additionally, other unauthorized structures include private buildings, schools, shops, and more.
It is crucial to highlight that the former General Manager of NFR, Anshul Gupta, stated on August 26, 2022, in response to queries from Nagaland Post that as per a Supreme Court order, “any unauthorized structure would be removed/relocated”, through due process.
Earlier in 2011, the Supreme Court said “God never intended to obstruct footpaths or encroach upon public land” and warned chief secretaries of states and Union territories of serious consequences if they didn’t comply with its orders directing removal of religious structures which came up on public land after September 2011.
The Court also directed all collectors and district magistrates in the country “ to meticulously ensure that no further land is encroached in their respective districts. The district magistrates and collectors must also ensure that no commercial activity is carried out from unauthorised structures on public land.”
A majority of occupiers of railway lands have expressed willingness to vacate lands needed for railway development provided they are paid compensation. However, the moot point is whether the compensation rate would be agreed upon. In any case, if the development of Dimapur railway does not see the light of day, the question is who will bear responsibility and what will happen to the Rs. 283 crore sanctioned for the project?