Maligaon: The North East Frontier Railway (NFR) is making steady and rapid progress on the strategically significant Dimapur (Dhansiri)–Kohima (Jubza) new railway line project, which will connect Nagaland’s capital, Kohima, to the national railway network for the first time. The project marks a major milestone in strengthening rail connectivity across the North Eastern region.

The project spans a total length of 78.42 kilometres, passing through Karbi Anglong district of Assam and Chumukedima and Kohima districts of Nagaland. It includes eight stations—Dhansiri, Dhansiripar, Shokhuvi, Mallwom, Ferima, Pifema, Mengujuma and Jubza.

At present, Dhansiri, Shokhuvi and Mallwom stations are ready. The project involves complex engineering challenges, including the construction of 20 tunnels and 27 major bridges, along with 149 minor bridges, covering a combined length of 31,169 metres. A substantial portion of these structures has already been completed.

Phased Commissioning

The project has been commissioned in phases. The Dhansiri–Shokhuvi section (16.5 km) was commissioned in October 2021, followed by the Shokhuvi–Mallwom section (14.64 km) in March 2025. At present, regular train services are operating from Shokhuvi, connecting it with Guwahati in Assam and Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh, offering passengers a safer, more reliable and comfortable travel option.

With the commissioning of Mallwom station, it has become the third-largest railway station in Nagaland, and goods transportation operations began there in September 2025, further strengthening freight movement in the region.

Boost to Regional Development

The Dimapur–Kohima rail link is expected to significantly enhance access to education, healthcare, employment and markets, while offering an affordable and time-saving alternative to road travel. The project will also reduce dependence on road transport in the hilly terrain, improving overall safety and efficiency.

Work on the remaining sections of the project is currently underway. The North East Frontier Railway has set a target to complete the Dimapur–Kohima (Jubza) rail line by 2029, a development that is expected to be a historic milestone in improving connectivity and accelerating socio-economic growth in Nagaland and the wider North Eastern region. DeshBharat