DIMAPUR, JUN 15 (NPN): Nagaland governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Monday reviewed the progress of the 78.42-km Dhansiri-Zubza (Dimapur-Kohima) new railway line project and the integrated redevelopment of Dimapur railway station, stressing the need for timely completion of the two key infrastructure projects.
Chairing a review meeting with officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction) at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, the governor was briefed on the status of the national railway project, which aims to provide rail connectivity to Kohima district for the first time.
According to a Lok Bhavan statement, railway officials informed the governor that the Dhansiri-Shokhuvi and Shokhuvi-Molvom sections had already been commissioned, while work on the remaining stretches was progressing despite difficult terrain and adverse climatic conditions.
The project passes through Karbi Anglong district in Assam and Chümoukedima and Kohima districts in Nagaland.
Officials said the rail link would significantly improve connectivity between Dimapur and Kohima, reduce travel time, facilitate freight transportation, boost tourism, create employment opportunities and contribute to the socio-economic development of Nagaland and the wider Northeast region.
The review also focused on challenges affecting the pace of construction, including difficult geological conditions, landslide-prone terrain, heavy monsoon rainfall, poor rock quality, limited working seasons, shortage of skilled labour and infrastructure constraints. Railway officials further highlighted issues such as high-pressure groundwater ingress and fault zones encountered during tunnel excavation works.
The governor also reviewed the integrated redevelopment of Dimapur railway station, which has been sanctioned under the station redevelopment programme. Scheduled for completion by July 2028, the project includes the construction of modern passenger amenities, office complexes, residential quarters, circulation areas and other supporting infrastructure.
Officials briefed the governor on the progress of foundation and construction works being undertaken at various locations within the station redevelopment project.
During the meeting, NFR officials sought the state government’s support in facilitating approach roads to upcoming railway stations, expediting mutation of acquired railway land and addressing issues related to riverbed mining near major railway bridges. They also pointed to challenges posed by encroachments affecting redevelopment activities and stressed the need for coordinated action between the railways and the state government.
Emphasising the strategic importance of the projects, Yadav assured continued cooperation and support from the state government. He said enhanced railway connectivity would play a transformative role in accelerating economic growth, improving public mobility and strengthening regional integration across Nagaland.
