Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha MP, S Supongmeren Jamir, has called on the Union Government to address two critical infrastructure and development issues in the state: full district coverage under NABARD and the extension of the BG Express rail service to Tuli.
Jamir highlighted that out of Nagaland’s 17 districts, only five are currently served by NABARD’s regional office in Dimapur. Two additional districts are managed by Assistant General Managers without support staff, leaving 10 districts without any NABARD presence. He urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to ensure that NABARD expands its operations across all districts by appointing adequate personnel and establishing district-level offices. According to Jamir, this move is essential for equitable access to rural development schemes and financial assistance.
In a separate appeal, Jamir reiterated the longstanding demand for the extension of the BG Express (Train No. 15665) from Mariani in Assam to Tuli in Nagaland. He clarified that this is not a request for a new train service, but an extension along an existing railway line that remains unused. The Nagaland Legislative Assembly passed a resolution supporting the extension on April 30, 2025, which was forwarded to the Northeast Frontier Railway by the state’s Transport Department.
Jamir urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to prioritize the rail link extension, citing its potential to improve connectivity, boost local economies, and support balanced regional development. He expressed hope that the Centre would respond positively to both demands, recognizing their importance for Nagaland’s progress.
