Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Monday reviewed the status of the Dhansiri-Zubza (Dimapur–Kohima) new-line railway project and the integrated redevelopment of Dimapur railway station with officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction) at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima.
Chairing the review meeting, Yadav stressed the importance of timely completion of these strategic infrastructure projects, assuring continued support and cooperation from the state government.
He noted that enhanced railway connectivity would play a transformative role in accelerating economic growth, improving public mobility, and strengthening regional integration across Nagaland.
Railway officials apprised the Governor of the progress made under the 78.42 km Dimapur–Kohima railway project, a national project aimed at providing rail connectivity to Kohima district for the first time.
The project traverses Assam’s Karbi Anglong district and Nagaland’s Chümoukedima and Kohima districts.
It was informed that the Dhansiri–Shokhuvi and Shokhuvi–Molvom sections of the project have already been commissioned, while work on the remaining stretches is progressing despite challenging terrain and climatic conditions.
Railway officials also highlighted several 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 attention was drawn to challenges posed by high-pressure groundwater ingress and fault zones encountered during tunnel construction.
On the integrated redevelopment of Dimapur railway station, officials briefed the Governor on ongoing foundation and construction works at various project sites.
During the meeting, the Northeast Frontier Railway 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 redevelopment project also faces challenges arising from existing encroachments affecting construction activities.