Governor Reviews Progress of Dimapur–Kohima Railway Project and Dimapur Station Redevelopment

KOHIMA, June 15: Nand Kishore Yadav on Monday chaired a high-level 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 Northeast Frontier Railway at Lok Bhavan.

During the meeting, officials briefed the Governor on the progress of the 78.42-kilometre Dimapur–Kohima railway project, a national initiative aimed at providing rail connectivity to Kohima for the first time.

The railway line traverses Karbi Anglong and the districts of Chümoukedima and Kohima in Nagaland. Officials informed the Governor 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.

According to officials, the 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 North Eastern region.

The review meeting also highlighted several challenges affecting project execution, including difficult geological conditions, landslide-prone terrain, heavy monsoon rainfall, poor rock quality, limited working seasons, shortages of skilled labour and infrastructure constraints. Officials noted that high-pressure groundwater ingress and fault zones encountered during tunnel construction continue to pose significant technical challenges.

The Governor also reviewed the progress of the Integrated Redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station, sanctioned under the station redevelopment programme. Scheduled for completion by July 2028, the project includes modern passenger facilities, office complexes, residential quarters, circulation areas and associated infrastructure. Officials briefed him on the ongoing foundation and construction works at various project sites.

During the meeting, the Northeast Frontier Railway 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. Officials also highlighted challenges arising from existing encroachments affecting construction activities, underscoring the need for coordinated action between the Railways and the State Government.

Emphasising the importance of timely completion of these strategic infrastructure projects, Governor Yadav 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. (PRO, Lok Bhavan)