Governor reviews progress of rail line and Dimapur station redevelopment
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has sought the Nagaland government’s support in resolving issues related to land mutation, approach roads, encroachments and riverbed mining that are affecting the execution of the Dhansiri-Zubza (Dimapur-Kohima) New Line Railway Project and the redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station.
The issues were raised during a review meeting chaired by Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav at Lok Bhavan on Monday with officials of Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction).
According to officials, the 78.42-km Dhansiri-Zubza railway project, a National Project aimed at providing rail connectivity to Kohima district for the first time, is progressing despite difficult terrain and climatic conditions. The project passes through Karbi Anglong district in Assam and Chumoukedima and Kohima districts in Nagaland.
Railway officials informed the Governor that the Dhansiri-Shokhuvi and Shokhuvi-Molvom sections have already been commissioned, while work on the remaining stretches is continuing.
During the meeting, NFR sought the state’s cooperation 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.
Officials also highlighted challenges affecting project execution, including difficult geological conditions, landslide-prone terrain, heavy monsoon rainfall, poor rock quality, limited working seasons, shortage of skilled labour and infrastructure constraints. Particular concern was expressed over high-pressure groundwater ingress and fault zones encountered during tunnel construction.
The Governor also reviewed the progress of the Integrated Redevelopment of Dimapur Railway Station, which has been sanctioned under the station redevelopment program.
Railway officials said the project is scheduled for completion by July 2028 and will include modern passenger facilities, office complexes, residential quarters, circulation areas and associated infrastructure. They also informed the meeting that the redevelopment project faces challenges arising from existing encroachments affecting construction activities and requires coordinated action between the Railways and the state government.
Yadav stressed the importance of timely completion of both projects and assured continued support from the state government.
He said improved railway connectivity would play an important role in enhancing public mobility, strengthening regional integration and supporting economic development in Nagaland.
