Kohima: The Nagaland capital is poised to be connected to the national railway network, with work on the 78.42-km Dimapur–Kohima rail line progressing steadily, the North East Frontier Railway (NFR) said on Friday.
The project, which has been declared one of national importance, has achieved around 40 per cent physical progress, while construction on the remaining stretches is moving at a fast pace.
Once completed, the line will offer direct rail connectivity between Kohima and the national capital, with the target date for completion set for December 2029.
A senior railway official said the new line originates from Dhansiri, an existing station on the Lumding–Tinsukia main line near Dimapur, and extends up to Zubza, located about 20 km from Kohima city.
Providing an update on infrastructure along the route, NFR said four of the eight proposed stations — Dhansiri, Dhansiripar, Shokhuvi and Molvom — have been completed so far.
The remaining stations on the alignment include Pherima, Piphema, Menguzuma and Zubza.
The project involves extensive tunnelling and bridge construction in difficult terrain.
Of the 20 tunnels planned with a combined length of 31,169 metres, seven have been completed.
In addition, work includes 30 major and 150 minor bridges, of which 12 major and 141 minor bridges are already in place, officials said.
The Dhansiri–Shokhuvi section was commissioned in October 2021, followed by the Shokhuvi–Molvom section in March 2025.
As per the current timeline, the Molvom–Pherima stretch is scheduled for commissioning in March 2027, while the final Pherima–Zubza section is expected to be completed by December 2029.
Railway officials noted that a key milestone was reached in 2022 with the introduction of passenger train services from Shokhuvi, making it only the second railway station in Nagaland, more than a century after Dimapur was commissioned.
Another significant development came in September 2025, when cargo operations began at Molvom station for the first time, boosting trade and commercial activity in the state.
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Officials said the new rail link will significantly improve connectivity between Nagaland, neighbouring northeastern states and the rest of the country.
Regular train services currently connect Shokhuvi with Guwahati and Naharlagun, providing safer and more reliable travel options.
With Molvom emerging as the third major railway station in Nagaland after Dimapur, and Shokhuvi handling freight movement, the state has gained a safer and more cost-effective mode of transporting goods, officials said.
Improved rail connectivity is also expected to enhance access to education, healthcare, employment and markets, while reducing reliance on road transport in the hilly terrain.
The development of stations and goods sheds along the route is likely to spur economic activity in surrounding areas, generating jobs and supporting small businesses, the NFR added.
