Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, on Monday described the launch of the Dibrugarh–Amrit Bharat Express as a historic moment for the district and a major boost to connectivity, unity, and development, while addressing the gathering at the flagging-off ceremony held at Dimapur Railway Station. The train was flagged off at 5.20 p.m.
Earlier in the morning, the Dibrugarh-Gomti Nagar Amrit Bharat Express was virtually flagged off from Dibrugarh by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, marking a major boost to long-distance rail connectivity from Upper Assam. Train number 15949 Dibrugarh-Gomti Nagar Amrit Bharat Express will leave Dibrugarh at 9 p.m. on Friday and arrive at Gomti Nagar at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. In the return direction, train number 15950 Gomti Nagar-Dibrugarh Amrit Bharat Express will depart Gomti Nagar at 6:40 p.m. on Sunday and reach Dibrugarh at 12:40 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister also virtually flagged off Kamakhya–Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express. The weekly service (Train No. 15671) will leave Kamakhya at 10 p.m. on Fridays and arrive in Rohtak at 2.45 p.m. on Sundays. On the return journey, the train (Train No. 15672) will depart from Rohtak at 10.10 pm on Sundays and reach Kamakhya at 12.15 pm on Tuesdays.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of Dimapur, Dr Chang thanked the Union Railway Minister and Prime Minister for what he termed a “wonderful gift” to the district and the state. He said the introduction of the Amrit Bharat Express would greatly benefit the public, noting that railways remain one of the safest, cheapest, and most reliable modes of transport for the masses.
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Highlighting the importance of connectivity for growth, the Deputy Commissioner said improved communication and transport are essential for the development of Dimapur district and Nagaland as a whole. He urged citizens to make full use of the new train service, stating that public participation would ensure that the benefits reach every section of society.
Dr Chang also expressed pride that the new train is passing through Dimapur, one of the oldest railway stations in the Northeast, calling it a moment of honor for the district. He informed that Dimapur Railway Station is in the pipeline to be developed into a world-class railway station and said such transformation would benefit both present and future generations.
Appealing for public cooperation, the Deputy Commissioner stressed that collective effort is essential to upgrade the historic station to global standards. “If we work together, our future generations will inherit a station that matches world-class facilities,” he said, adding that the development would strengthen Dimapur’s role as a gateway to Nagaland and the region.
Representing Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland, S Phangnon Konyak, her Press Secretary, Tenyebinlo Himb said the Amrit Bharat Express would play a vital role in strengthening national integration, regional connectivity and the Centre’s Act East vision.
Himb informed that the Rajya Sabha MP could not attend the programme as she had to leave for Delhi earlier in the day, and he was present on her behalf. He said that although several express trains have passed through Nagaland over the years, the launch of another major express through Dimapur — the state’s only railway station — marked an important milestone for the commercial hub of the state.
Extending best wishes to the new service, he said the Amrit Bharat Express would connect Nagaland to the heart of India, with Lucknow as a key destination, further enhancing people-to-people connectivity and economic opportunities.
He recalled that the Amrit Bharat Express was launched in 2023 by the Prime Minister with a broader vision of not only the Look East policy but also the Act East policy, aimed at bringing the Northeast closer to the rest of the country through infrastructure and transport development. He wished the train a successful journey ahead.
