Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav with officials of NFR (Construction) during a review meeting held at Lok Bhavan, Kohima on June 15. (Photo Courtesy: PRO, Lok Bhavan)
Kohima, June 15 (MExN): Difficult geological conditions, landslide-prone terrain, heavy monsoon rainfall, poor rock quality and infrastructure constraints continue to affect the execution of the Dhansiri–Zubza (Dimapur–Kohima) new line railway project, officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction) informed Governor Nand Kishore Yadav during a review meeting held at Lok Bhavan, Kohima on Monday.
Officials also highlighted challenges posed by limited working seasons, shortage of skilled labour, and high-pressure groundwater ingress and fault zones encountered during tunnel construction.
The Governor was further informed that the Integrated Redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station is facing challenges due to existing encroachments affecting construction activities. Officials said coordinated action between the Railways and the State Government would be required to address the issue.
During the meeting, the Northeast Frontier Railway also sought the cooperation of the State Government 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.
The Governor chaired the review meeting on the status of the 78.42-kilometre Dhansiri–Zubza railway project and the Integrated Redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station with officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction).
Officials apprised the Governor that the railway project, a National Project, is intended to provide rail connectivity to Kohima district for the first time. The alignment passes through Karbi Anglong district in Assam and Chümoukedima and Kohima districts in Nagaland.
They informed the meeting that the Dhansiri–Shokhuvi and Shokhuvi–Molvom sections have already been commissioned, while work on the remaining stretches is progressing despite the challenging terrain and climatic conditions.
According to the officials, the project is expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel time between Dimapur and Kohima, enhance 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 East.
The Governor also reviewed the progress of the Integrated Redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station, which has been sanctioned under the station redevelopment programme. Officials briefed him on the ongoing foundation and construction works at various project sites. The redevelopment project is scheduled for completion by July 2028 and includes modern passenger facilities, office complexes, residential quarters, circulation areas and associated infrastructure.
Stressing on the importance of timely completion of the projects, Yadav assured continued support and cooperation 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.”
