The team during the inspection of the ongoing Dimapur–Kohima New Railway Line Project.
• Rs 7,176.48 cr spent so far
• Completion target december 2029
Dimapur, November 14 (MExN): The Dimapur–Kohima New Railway Line Project has achieved 50% physical progress and 45.98% financial progress, with total expenditure incurred up to October 31, 2026, standing at Rs. 7,176.48 crore.
The figures were shared by A Pongshi Phom, Advisor to Airway and Railway, Government of Nagaland, after an inspection of the ongoing project by a team comprising officials from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and representatives of the Nagaland government, according to an update received here.
The inspection team included Thsuvisie Phoji, Additional Secretary, Aircell; Myingthungo Ababe Ezung, OSD, Aircell, Transport Department; and A Pongshi Phom. NFR officials, including Harji Mal Meena, Deputy Chief Engineer, were also present.
The team visited project locations at Zubza, Piphema, Pherima and Molvom, inspecting proposed railway station sites, tunnel sections, bridges and locations where tracks are to be installed. The inspection was aimed at reviewing progress and assessing ongoing construction work.
The Dimapur–Kohima railway line project, sanctioned in May 2007, commenced construction during 2015–16. It covers a total length of 78.42 kilometres, with a completion target of December 2029.
The project comprises 20 tunnels, of which eight have been completed, with the longest measuring approximately 6,620 metres. It also includes emergency escape or auxiliary tunnels to provide an alternative passage during emergencies.
In terms of bridges, the project includes 29 major bridges, of which 15 have been completed, and 151 minor bridges, with 138 completed. The longest bridge, Bridge No. 154, measures 551.60 metres.
The railway line will have eight stations, with four at Dhansiri, Dhansiripar, Sukhovi and Molvom already completed. Pherima and Zubza are among the other key station locations, with Molvom serving as an important station.
The inspection team also reviewed the construction of a major bridge measuring approximately 500–600 feet. Officials highlighted the scale and technical challenges involved in constructing tunnels and bridges across the difficult terrain of Nagaland.
Meanwhile, the proposed extension of the railway line from Zubza towards Imphal, Manipur, is also being explored, with survey work and consultations with consultants underway for the future connectivity plan.
The Dimapur–Kohima railway project is considered a significant infrastructure initiative for Nagaland, expected to improve connectivity, transportation and economic opportunities in the region.
