Panel discussion on “Leveraging Nagaland’s potential by boosting logistics” | 20 Jan. 2024 | 2nd Nagaland International Trade Expo (NITEX) 2024
Reported by Nagaland Post
The 2nd Nagaland International Trade Expo (NITex) concluded its final panel discussion, with the final topic “Leveraging Nagaland’s Potential by Boosting Logistics”. The session, held on Saturday at the Senden Riju, brought together industry leaders and government officials to deliberate on strategies for unlocking Nagaland’s economic potential through improved logistics infrastructure and connectivity.
The panel featured notable speakers– Addl Director (Development), Industries & Commerce, Lipongse Thongtsar; Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Lumding Division (NFR) KK Sharma; Airport Director, Dimapur, Geetha Sahu; OSD Transport department, Ababe Ezung; Regional Manager, Blue Dart Express Limited; Praloy Goswami and Managing Director, Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation, Kikamanen Jamir. The discussion was moderated by joint secretary IDAN and department of Finance, Reny Wilfred. The panel discussion shed light on critical issues surrounding state’s logistics and infrastructure development.
Railway connectivity and goods services: Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Lumding Division, NFR, KK Sharma, tackled questions about railway connectivity and the potential benefits for entrepreneurs.
He outlined the central government’s robust efforts to enhance railway connectivity in the entire North East region. He also highlighted specific projects, including connection of Molvom and Pherima by the year’s end.
Sharma also discussed the cost-effectiveness of railway transportation, citing example of Shokhuvi Railway Station to Guwahati, offering a rate of just Rs. 50 paise per kilo, with a capacity to transport around four tonnes.
Meanwhile, the critical issue of Tuli railway station, currently in a dilapidated state, was acknowledged, prompting a commitment to escalate the matter with higher authorities.
In this connection, BAN executive member provided a power point presentation where it was informed that the Tuli railway station had generated a revenue of Rs. 58,54,615.00 from 2020-2021, Rs.12,68,87,919 ion 2021-2022, Rs. 15,90,81,209 from 2022-2023 and almost touching Rs. 24 cr from 2023-till date.
He also put forward a detailed presentation on the potential of business booming in Tuli and state in general.
Despite generating revenue, he lamented the negligence of the railway station and urged the NFR representative to upgrade Tuli railway station to a fully automated railway station with three-line track and passenger train with parcel van from Tuli to Guwahati at least six days a week.
Other participants joined in, emphasizing Tuli’s untapped potential with the establishment of a functional railway station.
Sharma later responded and assured to take up the matter to the higher level and concerned department, whilst also requesting BAN to attach a formal letter to the general manager of NFR.
Dimapur airport expansion, cargo and warehousing facilities: Airport Director, Dimapur, Geetha Sahu, disclosed plans for expansion of Dimapur airport viz- cargo terminal, arrival lounge etc.
Acknowledging the airport’s upward trajectory in terms of passenger handling, she however cited challenges, including need for additional land and issues related to encroachment, whilst also seeking financial support of the state government.
Responding to queries regarding cargo and warehousing facilities at the airport, she highlighted the absence of representation for Airport Authority of India Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Ltd (AAI CLAS) from Dimapur Airport.
She noted that Dimapur needed to bring up the required quantity per day to bring dedicated air cargo services to Dimapur.
Blue Dart’s cargo flight initiative: Regional Manager Blue Dart Express Ltd, Praloy Goswami, disclosed the operations of Blue Dart’s cargo flight initiative from Guwahati, starting January 29.
He highlighted the significance of this move in boosting trade and socio-economic development in the region. He also informed about the acquisition of two new aircraft, emphasizing the increased volume and faster turnaround times, ensuring next-day delivery from Dimapur or Kohima to other cities.
Goswami further urged collaboration for handling perishable goods and expressed openness to negotiations to bring down rates.
He also stressed the importance of skill development and trade for the region, viewing Blue Dart’s initiative as a potential game-changer.
Transportation infra challenges and initiatives: OSD Transport department, Ababe Ezung, addressed challenges related to transporting goods from villages to cargo utility areas. He also expressed satisfaction at the collaborative efforts of the state government and private sector to address these issues.
He further emphasized the need for accessible airports and railways and raised concerns about lack of interaction between public and airport offices. Overall, Abeb pointed out that connectivity was crucial for building business.
State logistics policy and industrial policy: Additional Director (Development), Industries & Commerce, Lipongse Thongtsar revealed that the department was in the final stages of formulating the state Industrial policy and logistics policy and was actively seeking private sector cooperation for its implementation.
He emphasized on the need to focus on comparative advantages in export strategies, considering the competitive disadvantages faced by Nagas.
Untapped minerals: Managing director, Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation, Kikamanen Jamir, in his brief address informed that Nagaland was blessed with huge minerals deposits and different types of stones, which were mostly untapped. He thereby welcomed any investors willing to invest.
The comprehensive panel discussion unveiled various challenges and opportunities in Nagaland’s logistics sector, showcasing the collaborative efforts needed for overall development in the state. It also painted a promising picture of a future propelled by a robust logistics network.
