Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has informed that the first trial run of a freight train with Multi Unit (MU) locomotives was successfully conducted in the Shokhuvi-Molvom railway section of the Dhansiri-Zubza New Line Project on February 11, 2025, marking a significant milestone in boosting railway connectivity in Nagaland.
In a press release, NFR chief public relations officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma stated that the train reached Molvom at around 6pm, signifying a major step towards the commissioning of the 15.419km vital railway stretch, which was targeted for completion within next few months.
CPRO stated that successful trial run holds immense significance for the Molvom region and its railway station, which is set to become the third major railway station in Nagaland, following Dimapur and Shokhuvi stations.
He said the enhanced railway connectivity would provide a crucial boost to regional mobility, offering the people of Nagaland seamless access to the broader railway network of the country.
Once fully operational, CPRO said the new rail link would facilitate better movement of passengers and goods, bridging the logistical gap and fostering greater economic development.
Further, he said that this development was expected to immensely benefit local traders, entrepreneurs and business units in the Molvom region by providing them with a reliable and cost-effective transportation option for their goods and materials.
With railway freight services becoming operational, CPRO said local industries and small-scale manufacturers would gain a direct gateway to national markets, enabling them to trade their finished products efficiently across the nation. Sharma said the improved connectivity would also encourage new business opportunities, attract investments and contribute to the overall socio-economic growth of Nagaland.
He said that successful trial of the freight loco on the Shokhuvi–Molvom section was a testament to NFR’s efforts toward infrastructure modernization, paving the way for a more connected and economically vibrant Nagaland.