Nagaland: Construction of longest tunnel under Dimapur-Kohima rail project begins

Guwahati: Construction has begun on a critical section of the Dimapur-Kohima New Rail Line Project, marking a significant step forward for improved transportation in Nagaland.

Crews started work on Portal 1 of Tunnel No. 7, located in Tsiepama village in Nagaland. This tunnel, stretching a mammoth 6,610 meters, will be the longest on the entire rail line, NF Railway said in a statement.

Reaching the tunnel entrance required constructing a dedicated 12-kilometer approach road through the hilly terrain.

The tunnel is situated between the Pherima and Piphema stations on the 82.5-kilometer Dimapur-Kohima line.

The project, estimated to cost Rs. 6,663 crore, will connect Dhansiri station in Assam to Zubza near Kohima, Nagaland. Upon completion, it will include eight new stations, 27 major bridges, 148 minor bridges, five road over bridges, 15 road under bridges, and a total of 21 tunnels spanning 31 kilometers.

The first phase of the project, a 16.5-kilometer section from Dhansiri to Shokhuvi, was already inaugurated in October 2021.

Passenger train services are now operational between Shokhuvi and Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh and Mendipathar in Meghalaya.

The Dimapur-Kohima rail line is expected to revolutionize transportation in Nagaland. By offering a more economical and efficient way to move essential goods like food grains, fuel, vehicles, and construction materials, the project promises significant economic benefits for the state.

It will also provide a reliable and affordable mode of travel for residents, improving overall connectivity.