Mokokchung, August 21 (MTNews): The much anticipated 83 km long railway project, which is a part of PM Narendra Modi’s act East policy that started in 2016, runs from Dimapur to Zubza, which is close to Kohima, has completed its first phase and is currently undergoing its second phase.
The train route will reportedly cross 22 significant rail bridges, 21 tunnels, and 8 stations, including Zuzba, while the height of the highest bridge will be 51 meters.
Over 2.5 million people are anticipated to profit from the 83-kilometre-long train route, which would also increase tourism in the region. The train project between Dimapur and Kohima is estimated to cross Rs 6,648 crore.
Due to the region’s challenging topography and inclusion in seismic zone 5, which makes it particularly vulnerable to earthquakes, Indian Railways has been using the most recent technology to build train bridges that are durable and strong, according to the Financial Express. “Yes, the talk is over, it’s a reality now,” Nagaland Minister Temjen Imna Along tweeted while sharing pictures of the ongoing railway project works.
The majority of this track will apparently either be elevated or pass via tunnels with a combined length of 31 km due to the terrain. This track’s longest tunnel will be 6.5 kilometres long. The track’s construction will be completed in three phases and would go across four Nagaland districts.
Phase 1 of the 16-km project is finished, and Indian Railways plans to commence passenger train service on this route soon. Indian Railways is expected to finish building the 27 km of rail track in the second phase by 2023. By 2026, the third and final phase will be finished. From its current 3–4 hours journey, the travel time from Dimapur to Kohima will be cut in half once the track is finished.
Once finished, this broad-gauge rail line project will create a new way of connection between Nagaland’s capital and the rest of the country. The new railway connectivity will also facilitate freight transit. Furthermore, the rail route will significantly contribute to the growth of Nagaland’s economy and tourism.
