Kohima Set to Get Rail Link as Dimapur–Kohima Line Moves Ahead at Fast Pace

Kohima | January 24, 2026 Nagaland’s capital Kohima is moving closer to being connected with the national railway network as work on the 78.42-kilometre Dimapur–Kohima railway line gains steady momentum. The North East Frontier Railway (NFR) on Friday said that around 40 per cent of the project has already been completed and construction on the remaining stretch is progressing rapidly. Sharing details of the alignment, a senior railway official said, "The new line starts from Dhansiri, an existing station on the Lumding-Tinsukia main line near Dimapur in Nagaland, and extends up to Zubza, located on outskirts of Kohima, around 20 km from the city." The project has been declared a project of national importance and is expected to play a key role in improving connectivity in the state. Highlighting its significance, the official added, "Declared a project of national importance, the new rail link will provide direct connectivity between Kohima and the national capital. The project is targeted to be completed by December 2029." Once completed, the rail line is expected to reduce travel difficulties and improve access to the rest of the country. According to NFR, the route includes eight stations — Dhansiri, Dhansiripar, Shokhuvi, Molvom, Pherima, Piphema, Menguzuma and Zubza. Out of these, four stations — Dhansiri, Dhansiripar, Sukhovi and Molvom — have already been completed. The project also involves major engineering work in the hilly terrain, including 20 tunnels with a combined length of 31,169 metres. So far, seven tunnels have been completed. In addition, 12 out of 30 major bridges and 141 out of 150 minor bridges are ready. Progress on different sections has been phased. 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 section is scheduled for commissioning in March 2027, while the final Pherima–Zubza stretch is expected to be completed by December 2029. Railway officials also highlighted important milestones achieved during the project. A senior official said, "In September 2025, cargo operations started for the first time at Molvom railway station, marking a major milestone in development of trade and commerce in Nagaland." Earlier, passenger train services were introduced from Shokhuvi, making it only the second railway station in the state more than a century after Dimapur station was commissioned. Explaining the wider impact, officials said the project will improve rail connectivity between Nagaland, neighbouring northeastern states and the rest of India. "Regular train services are operational, connecting Shokhuvi with Guwahati and Naharlagun , offering smoother, safer and more reliable travel," they said. With Molvom emerging as the third major railway station in Nagaland and Shokhuvi handling freight traffic, transportation of goods has become safer and more cost-effective. The NFR added that better rail connectivity will make it easier for people to access education, healthcare, jobs and markets both within and outside the state. Reduced dependence on road transport is expected to save time and cost for passengers in the hill state. "Growth of stations and goods sheds encourages economic development in the surrounding areas creating jobs, services and small businesses that directly benefit daily commuters and local passengers," the railway said. Kohima on Track for Rail Connectivity as Dimapur–Kohima Project Gains Speed Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, is steadily moving towards joining India’s national rail network as work on the 78.42-km Dimapur–Kohima railway line progresses at a fast pace. The North East Frontier Railway (NFR) has said that nearly 40 per cent of the project has been completed, while construction on the remaining stretch is moving ahead rapidly across the challenging hill terrain. Explaining the route, a senior railway official said, "The new line starts from Dhansiri, an existing station on the Lumding-Tinsukia main line near Dimapur in Nagaland, and extends up to Zubza, located on outskirts of Kohima, around 20 km from the city." The project has been declared a project of national importance and is expected to change travel and connectivity for the state in a big way. Highlighting its long-term impact, the official added, "Declared a project of national importance, the new rail link will provide direct connectivity between Kohima and the national capital. The project is targeted to be completed by December 2029." The route includes eight stations, out of which four have already been completed, along with several tunnels and bridges that are crucial for rail movement in the hilly region. Officials said the rail line has already achieved major milestones. Passenger services have been running from Shokhuvi, and in September 2025, goods movement also began at Molvom. A senior official noted, "In September 2025, cargo operations started for the first time at Molvom railway station, marking a major milestone in development of trade and commerce in Nagaland." With improved rail services, officials believe the project will boost trade, create jobs, and offer safer, cheaper, and more comfortable travel for people across the state.