Nagaland capital likely to get rail connectivity by Dec 2029: NFR
Kohima/Guwahati, June 15 The Northeast Frontier Railway on Monday informed Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav that intensive work is underway on the 78.42‑km Dimapur-Kohima railway project, which is expected to connect the state capital with the national railway network by December 2029.
During a review of the project, NFR (Construction) officials apprised the Governor of the progress made on the strategically important rail line and said efforts were being made to expedite the work. Once completed, the Dimapur-Kohima railway project will provide direct rail connectivity to Nagaland's capital, significantly improving transportation, trade, tourism and overall socio‑economic development in the state.
A Lok Bhavan official said the Governor chaired a review meeting on the status of the Dhansiri-Zubza (Dimapur-Kohima) new line railway project and the Integrated Redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station with officials of the NFR (Construction) in Kohima on Monday.
During the review meeting, the NFR officials apprised the Governor of the progress made under the 78.42‑km Dimapur-Kohima Railway Project, a National Project aimed at providing rail connectivity to Kohima district for the first time. The project traverses Assam's Karbi Anglong district and Nagaland's Chumoukedima and Kohima districts.
The Governor was informed that the Dhansiri-Shokhuvi and Shokhuvi-Molvom sections have already been commissioned, while work on the remaining stretches is progressing despite challenging terrain and climatic conditions.
The official noted that the railway project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity, reduce travel time between Dimapur and Kohima, improve mobility for students, patients and commuters, facilitate freight movement, promote tourism, generate employment opportunities and contribute to the socio‑economic development of Nagaland and the wider Northeastern region.
The NFR officials highlighted several challenges affecting project execution, including difficult geological conditions, landslide‑prone terrain, heavy monsoon rainfall, poor rock quality, limited working seasons, shortage of skilled labour and infrastructure constraints. Particular attention was drawn to challenges posed by high‑pressure groundwater ingress and fault zones encountered during tunnel construction.
The Governor also reviewed the progress of the Integrated Redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station, sanctioned under the station redevelopment programme. The project, scheduled for completion by July 2028, includes modern passenger facilities, office complexes, residential quarters, circulation areas and associated infrastructure.
The railway officials briefed the Governor on ongoing foundation and construction works at various project sites. During the meeting, NFR sought the state government's cooperation in facilitating approach roads to upcoming railway stations, expediting the mutation of acquired railway land, and addressing issues related to riverbed mining near major railway bridges.
The redevelopment project also faces challenges arising from existing encroachments affecting construction activities, for which coordinated action between the Railways and the state government is required.
The Governor emphasised the importance of the timely completion of these strategic infrastructure projects and assured continued support and cooperation from the state government.
He noted that enhanced railway connectivity would play a transformative role in accelerating economic growth, improving public mobility and strengthening regional integration across Nagaland, officials pointed out.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is wonderful news for our Northeastern brothers and sisters! Better connectivity means more tourists can explore Kohima's rich culture and history 🚂 The mention of improved mobility for students and patients is especially heartening. Hope the state government cooperates fully to clear encroachments and expedite land mutation.
Good initiative but there are some valid concerns. The 2029 deadline seems ambitious given the challenging terrain and monsoon issues mentioned. Also, will the proposed railway station redevelopment in Dimapur actually be completed by July 2028? We've seen many infrastructure projects get delayed in the Northeast. Let's hope the authorities learn from past mistakes and ensure transparency in execution.
As someone from the Northeast, this makes me extremely proud! The railway has always been the lifeline of our region. Connecting Kohima directly will really boost trade, tourism and most importantly, give our youth better access to education and jobs in other parts of the country. Great work by NFR and the state government for prioritizing this 😊
While this is positive, I hope the environmental impact is carefully considered. The terrain is landslide-prone and tunneling in fault zones with high-pressure groundwater sounds risky. We need sustainable development that doesn't harm the fragile ecosystem of the region. The government should also ensure that local communities are consulted and benefit from the project.
Wow, this is a massive step for Nagaland's development! The fact that they've already commissioned some sections shows real progress. I remember visiting Kohima a few years back and the road journey from Dimapur was quite long. A railway line will transform daily life for thousands. Let's also appreciate
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