The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has raised serious concerns regarding the prolonged delay and massive cost escalation surrounding the Dimapur-Kohima (Zubza) rail link project, urging the state government and parliamentarians to press central authorities for its immediate completion. In a statement issued by NTC President C. Pankathung Lotha and General Secretary C. Onen Walling, the council highlighted findings from a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) parliamentary report which revealed that despite being initiated in 2006–07 with an initial estimate of Rs 850 crore, the project had achieved under 25% physical progress while expenditures soared past Rs 6,663.20 crore by May 2020—more than seven times the original budget. Expressing dismay over the lack of visible progress by August 2026, the NTC cited PAC observations regarding frequent alignment changes, alleged irregularities in land acquisition, equipment procurement, and unnecessary data purchases from overseas. The council questioned the oversight role played by successive state governments, MPs, and civil society organizations in monitoring the vital infrastructure work, emphasizing that Nagaland remains critically limited in rail, air, and waterway connectivity. Once operational, the rail line is expected to dramatically cut travel time between Dimapur and the capital city to 40–50 minutes, drastically reducing transportation costs and boosting the movement of goods and passengers. To protect public interest and prevent further delays, the NTC called for rigorous monitoring and proactive intervention to deliver the project in the shortest possible timeframe.
