Nagaland Capital to Join National Rail Network as Dimapur-Kohima Project Advances
The 78.42-km Dimapur-Kohima railway line project is 40% complete, connecting Nagaland's capital to the national rail network. Four of eight stations are operational, with seven tunnels and 153 bridges completed. The project, declared of national importance, targets completion by December 2029 and has already achieved major milestones including passenger services from Shokhuvi in 2022 and cargo operations at Molvom in September 2025.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, is being integrated with the national rail network through the ambitious 78.42-km Dimapur-Kohima railway line project, which has achieved significant progress according to the North East Frontier Railway (NFR). The project, declared of national importance, is approximately 40% complete with construction work on the remaining stretch progressing rapidly.
Project Overview and Route Details
The new railway line starts from Dhansiri, an existing station on the Lumding-Tinsukia main line near Dimapur in Nagaland, and extends to Zubza, located on the outskirts of Kohima, approximately 20 km from the city. This strategic connection will provide direct connectivity between Kohima and the national capital, with the project targeted for completion by December 2029.
| Project Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length: | 78.42 km |
| Project Status: | ~40% complete |
| Start Point: | Dhansiri station |
| End Point: | Zubza (20 km from Kohima) |
| Target Completion: | December 2029 |
| Project Classification: | National importance |
Infrastructure Progress and Milestones
The project encompasses eight stations along the route: Dhansiri, Dhansiripar, Shokhuvi, Molvom, Pherima, Piphema, Menguzuma and Zubza. Four stations have been completed, including Dhansiri, Dhansiripar, Sukhovi and Molvom. The infrastructure development includes substantial tunnel and bridge construction to navigate the challenging hill terrain.
| Infrastructure Component: | Total | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Stations: | 8 | 4 |
| Tunnels: | 20 (31,169-metre total length) | 7 |
| Major Bridges: | 30 | 12 |
| Minor Bridges: | 150 | 141 |
Phased Commissioning Timeline
The project follows a systematic phased approach for commissioning different sections. The Dhansiri-Shokhuvi section (16.5 km) was commissioned in October 2021, followed by the Shokhuvi-Molvom section (14.64 km) in March 2025. According to the completion timeline, the Molvom-Pherima section will be commissioned in March 2027, with the final Pherima-Zubza section scheduled for December 2029.
A major milestone was achieved in 2022 when passenger train services started for the first time from Shokhuvi, making it the second railway station in Nagaland, more than a hundred years after Dimapur station was commissioned. In September 2025, cargo operations commenced at Molvom railway station, marking a significant development for trade and commerce in Nagaland.
Connectivity and Economic Impact
The project significantly strengthens rail connectivity between Nagaland, neighbouring northeastern states and the rest of India, making travel more convenient and accessible. Regular train services are operational, connecting Shokhuvi with Guwahati (Assam) and Naharlagun (Arunachal Pradesh), offering smoother, safer and more reliable travel options.
With Molvom becoming the third major railway station in Nagaland after Dimapur and Shokhuvi to handle freight traffic, safe and cost-effective transportation of goods to and from Nagaland has received a major boost. The improved connectivity provides passengers easier access to education, healthcare, jobs and markets within and outside the state. The new route reduces dependency on road transport, offering a comfortable, affordable and time-efficient travel alternative in the hill state.
The growth of stations and goods sheds encourages economic development in surrounding areas, creating jobs, services and small businesses that directly benefit daily commuters and local passengers, according to NFR officials.
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