DHANSIRI

Indian Railways is significantly contributing towards transformation of the North-eastern states by executing several new railway line projects. Constructing new railway lines to connect all the state capitals of north-eastern region is going o­n under capital connectivity projects.Constructing of a new broad gauge railway line from Dimapur to Kohima in Nagaland is o­ne such of them. Works o­n the project is going o­n in full swing. The new railway line would bring Nagaland capital city Kohima o­nto the broad gauge railway map of the country.

The 82.50 Km long Dimapur - Kohima new railway line project which takes off from the Dhansiri station of Assamto Zubza adjacent to Kohima is being undertaken by Northeast Frontier Railway Construction Organizationat an anticipated cost of Rs. 6,663 crore. The total length of project is 82.5 km (2.75 Km in Assam and 79.75 Km in Nagaland) having 08 new stations viz Dhansiri, Dhansiripar, Shokhuvi, Molvom, Pherima, Piphema, Menguzuma and Zubza. The project includes 24 major bridges, 156 minor bridges, 06 Road Over Bridges, 15 Road Under Bridges and 21 Tunnels of 31 km length. The tunnel no. 7 between Pherima to Piphema is the longest tunnel of this project which is of 6520 metre length. The project is divided into 3 phases for ease of commissioning. The first phase of 16.5 km from Dhansiri to Shokhuvi has been already completed in October, 2021. Passenger train services from Shokhuvi to Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh and Mendipathar in Meghalaya have been introduced recently to enhance intra-regional rail connectivity to various northeast states. The next phase from Shokhuvi to Pherima is likely to be completed very soon and the complete project up to Zubza is targeted to be completed by 2026.

The new Rail connectivity will also help in transportation of food grains and other infrastructural items to the state at a much cheaper cost from other parts of the country benefitting local people. Economy of the state will receive a boost.

N. F. Railway & Indian Army, under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav organised a mega event at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati o­n 21^st November, 2022 during Purvottar Swabhiman Utsav. Purvottar Swabhiman Utsav has been celebrated to mark the contribution of Northeast and its unsung freedom fighters in nation building by felicitating Veer Naris and showcasing the diversified culture of Northeast regions. Indian Army had also displayed arms and ammunition during the Utsav.

 N. F. Railway displayed models of its mega projects which are being done for overall development of the North-eastern regions. Models of Lumding Diesel Loco Shed, New Bongaigaon Workshop, the much acclaimed Vistadome Coach with rotating seats that provides panoramic view during journey, Dhansiri – Zubza railway line under construction between the two major cities of Indian state of Nagaland - Dimapur and Kohima New Line Project etc were displayed. Mitigation measures to avoid Train Elephant collision in Elephant corridors like Intrusion Detection System, installation of Honey Bee Buzzer were also displayed. Among other mitigation works proposed elevated tracks, ramps, and subways in Kamkahya – Azara section to allow safe passage of wildlife were highly appreciated by the visitors. Electrification works which were completed and under progress in the North-Eastern region were also highlighted and displayed. Huge numbers of footfalls were registered in the stall of N.F. Railway. Visitors praised about the developmental works initiated and done by N. F. Railway towards Northeast regions by viewing the displayed models.

As a part of the Purvottar Swabhiman Utsav many events like cultural show, musical extravaganza, air display etc were held. Many distinguished guest and dignitaries from Northeast regions were present in the Utsav. The guest present had praised the crucial role of N. F. Railway towards overall development of the Northeast regions. They have expressed their immense satisfaction over the progress of railway connectivity specially in North-eastern regions initiated by Shri Anshul Gupta, General Manager/N.F. Railway and his team aiming to connect the entire North-eastern states to the rest of the country.