Guwahati, 30 July (HS): General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction), Ashish Bansal, recently conducted a comprehensive inspection of the strategically important Dimapur (Dhansiri)–Kohima (Zubza) New Railway Line Project to review the progress of ongoing construction works.

Accompanied by senior NF Railway (Construction) officials, Bansal inspected tunnels, major bridges, station yards and other key project sites. He reviewed the progress of works, interacted with engineers and field officials, and stressed the need for timely completion of the project while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and engineering excellence.

The 78.42-km railway line, one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the Northeast, will connect Nagaland's capital Kohima to the national railway network for the first time. The alignment passes through Karbi Anglong district in Assam and Chumoukedima and Kohima districts in Nagaland. The project includes eight stations, 20 tunnels with a combined length of 31.17 km, 27 major bridges and 149 minor bridges.

The project has been commissioned in phases. The 16.5-km Dhansiri–Shokhuvi section became operational in October 2021, followed by the 14.64-km Shokhuvi–Molvom section in March 2025. Passenger train services are currently running from Shokhuvi to Guwahati and Naharlagun, while Molvom has emerged as Nagaland's third major railway station.

Despite difficult terrain and complex geological conditions, construction on the remaining sections is progressing steadily with advanced engineering techniques and simultaneous work at multiple tunnel faces.

During the inspection, Bansal appreciated the efforts of engineers and construction teams and directed officials to maintain the pace of work through close coordination among stakeholders while adhering to the highest safety and quality standards.

Northeast Frontier Railway has set a target to complete the entire Dimapur (Dhansiri)–Kohima (Zubza) New Railway Line Project by 2029. Once completed, the project is expected to significantly improve connectivity, boost tourism and trade, enhance access to education and healthcare, and accelerate the socio-economic development of Nagaland and the Northeast.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash