Nagaland got its second Railway station on Dhansari-Shokhuvi railway line after a gap of more than 100 years, since Dimapur station was opened in 1903.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio officially flagged off the first passenger train service- the Donyi Polo Express from Shokhuvi Railway station on August 26. Shokhuvi Railway station is part of the Dimapur-Zubza Railway project. The railway station is an alternative train route for Nagaland and Manipur passengers to Guwahati.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described the day as a historic day for Nagaland. The State got the 2nd railway terminal passenger services after a gap of more than 100 years on Dhansari-Shokhuvi railway line, he added. Rio said, the facility will bring immense benefit to the people of Nagaland and other neighboring states.
He lauded the commitment of the Railway Ministry and officials to railway line to Kohima. He said, the Railways is going to extend the services to Zubza to new Kohima and onward to Imphal. Rio said, it is fulfilling the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy, adding that we will not only connect with the mainland India but also South East Asia which will bring economic benefits and improve connectivity.
He also informed that Molvon station at Jornapani is expected to be completed by next March or April and Phase 2 – Pherima and Phase 3 Zubza which are expected to be completed by 2023 and 2026 respectively.
The Chief Minister also exuded hope that the Railway line from Dimapur to Tizit and Dimapur to Khelma in Silchar which is already being approved by the Central Government will be implemented soon.
Rio further said, Railways cannot be blamed for the delay of the projects. To this, he said acquiring land becomes a hindrance and urged appealed for the support and cooperation in sich projects. The Chief Minister also urged the Gaon Buras, the Village Council, and Tribal hohos to come forward and support the Railways.
Rio however, reminded the Northeast Frontier Railway, NFR not to forget the Dimapur Railway station while pursuing new railway lines. he thereof requested the Railway officials to ensure that the Dimapur Railway Station gets its due share of development so that it expands further and continues to serve not only the residents of Nagaland but also of Manipur and the neighbouring districts of Assam.
NFR general manager, Anshul Gupta, the Railways are working around the clock on war-footing to connect all the state capitals in a time-bound manner. He said that a proposal to undertake survey from Zubza-New Kohima-Imphal and Aizawl have already initiated so that all three states get connected in a loop.
Gupta exuded confidence that once this project comes up and gets commissioned, the North-east will have one of the most sturdy and important railway routes in India.
NFR general manager also highlighted that besides the Donyi Polo Express, there are plans to introduce new trains including Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains and in future long-distance train from the state of Nagaland. Gupta further informed that Shukhovi station has been running freight services by taking stones from Nagaland to various parts of the country and Bangladesh for past the two months.
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