Guwahati, 31 July (HS): The strategically important Dhansiri–Zubza (Dimapur–Kohima) Broad Gauge Railway Line Project is steadily progressing toward its target completion in 2029, promising to reshape connectivity, economic development, tourism and national security in Nagaland. Executed by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the 78.42-km project has achieved around 41% physical progress, marking a significant milestone in bringing Nagaland's capital region onto India's broad-gauge railway network for the first time.
The railway line originates from Dhansiri in Assam and terminates at Zubza, about 16 km from Kohima. Designed for speeds of up to 100 kmph, the route traverses the challenging hilly terrain of Karbi Anglong in Assam and Chumoukedima and Kohima districts in Nagaland.
The project has been divided into three phases. The Dhansiri–Shokhuvi section has already been commissioned, while the Shokhuvi–Pherima stretch is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The final and most technically challenging Pherima–Zubza section is scheduled for completion by December 2029.
Once operational, the railway line is expected to significantly reduce travel time and transportation costs, providing a major boost to trade, agriculture, tourism and employment in Nagaland. It will improve access for remote villages, strengthen regional integration with the rest of the country and offer a dependable all-weather transport corridor for defence logistics in the strategically sensitive Northeast.
The project is also an engineering landmark, involving extensive tunnelling and construction of major bridges through rugged mountainous terrain. Engineers have had to overcome persistent challenges, including difficult geological conditions, heavy monsoon rains and land acquisition issues. Owing to the steep gradients beyond Zubza, the railway line will terminate there, with road connectivity providing the final link to Kohima.
Upon completion, the Dimapur–Kohima railway project is expected to become a transformative infrastructure asset, enhancing connectivity and accelerating the socio-economic development of Nagaland and the wider Northeast region.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
