Construction of longest tunnel under the Dimapur–Kohima rail project begins

DIMAPUR — Construction activities have commenced in Portal 1 of Tunnel No. 7 within the Dimapur-Kohima New Rail Line Project, situated in Tsiepama village of Medziphema circle in Chümoukedima district.

According to an update, this tunnel is slated to become the longest within the project, spanning a length of 6,610 meters. Positioned between Pherima and Piphema stations, the tunnel forms an integral part of the 82.50 km-long railway line project, with 2.75 km traversing through Assam and 79.75 km through Nagaland.

To access Portal 1, a 12 km approach road has been constructed through the hills, linking it to Tsiepama village, the update stated.

The Dimapur-Kohima new railway line project, stretching from Dhansiri station in Assam to Zubza near Kohima, is anticipated to incur a cost of INR 6,663 crore. Eight new stations, namely Dhansiri, Dhansiripar, Shokhuvi, Molvom, Pherima, Piphema, Menguzuma, and Zubza, are included in the project which encompasses 27 major bridges, 148 minor bridges, 5 Road Over Bridges, 15 Road Under Bridges, and 21 tunnels spanning 31 km in total length.

The section spanning 16.5 km from Dhansiri to Shokhuvi was inaugurated in October 2021. Additionally, passenger train services have been initiated from Shokhuvi to Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh and Mendipathar in Meghalaya.

As per the update, upon its completion, the new rail project will facilitate the transportation of essential commodities such as food grains, petroleum products, automobiles and various infrastructure and construction materials to Nagaland at a significantly reduced cost compared to the present scenario.

This development will greatly benefit the local population, as it is anticipated to provide a substantial boost to the state’s economy and will provide a cheap and reliable means of communication to the local population, it added.