NFR’s Dimapur-Kohima Project transforms railway connectivity in Nagaland

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has started a historic journey that will improve connectivity and stimulate Nagaland’s economy. Leading this endeavour is the vast Dimapur-Kohima rail line project, which is expected to transform the area’s transportation system.

Under the direction of Sabyasachi De, the Northeast Frontier Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), work has started on some fronts, including the opening of Portal 1 of Tunnel Number 7, which is situated in Tsiepama Village in the Dimapur District of Nagaland. At 6,610 metres, this tunnel is on track to be the longest in the whole Dimapur-Kohima train line project.

A 12-kilometre approach road that winds through difficult terrain has been painstakingly constructed to make Portal 1 of Tunnel Number 7 accessible in Tsiepama. The goal of this strategic infrastructure project is to guarantee uninterrupted communication between the railway stations in Pherima and Piphema.

The construction of eight additional stations along the route—Dhansiri, Dhansiripar, Shokhuvi, Molvom, Pherima, Piphema, Menguzuma, and Zubza—is one of the many components of the Dimapur-Kohima rail project. In addition, the project includes an astounding 21 tunnels that cover a total of 31 km, five roads over bridges, fifteen roads under bridges, and 148 minor bridges.

These initiatives are important for reasons other than just building infrastructure. The planned construction of a train line between Dimapur and Kohima, which is expected to cost ₹ 6,663 crore, is a calculated investment meant to improve regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth. The groundwork for future growth and advancement has already been established with the October 2021 commissioning of a 16.5-km stretch between Dhansiri and Shokhuvi.

These programmes have an impact that goes beyond improving infrastructure; they have the potential to empower local communities and spur economic growth. When the rail link project is finished, it should make it easier to carry necessities to Nagaland, including food grains, petroleum products, cars, and different types of infrastructural materials. This should lower costs and boost the state’s economy.

Furthermore, the launch of passenger train services between Shokhuvi and Mendipathar in Meghalaya and Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh represents a noteworthy advancement in improving regional accessibility and connection.

The Northeast Frontier Railway’s revolutionary initiatives in Nagaland are set to change the region’s scenery, promote sustainable development, and open up new opportunities for progress and prosperity for its people as construction activities continue and milestones are met.

33