Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) has been awarded a contract worth Rs 5.78 billion (bn) for tunnel construction on the Dimapur–Kohima new broad gauge line project, the company announced. The award covers construction of four tunnels and associated earthworks and protective and supplementary works along the Piphema to Zubza section. The contract was granted by Northeast Frontier Railway as part of the rail authority’s broader programme to bolster connectivity across the Northeast. The award is expected to initiate detailed site surveys and preparatory works ahead of major construction activities. The scope specifies Tunnel number nine measuring 600 metre, Tunnel number 11 measuring 350 metre, Tunnel number 13 measuring 400 metre and Tunnel number 16 measuring 600 metre. Works also include cut-and-cover construction, embankments and cuttings required to establish the railway alignment. The package integrates protective structures and ancillary works intended to safeguard the corridor against local geotechnical and climatic challenges. The project is positioned to improve access to isolated and mountainous areas and to support socio-economic growth in Nagaland and neighbouring states by facilitating passenger and freight movement. Improved rail connectivity is expected to reduce travel time and transport costs for communities and businesses in the region. The undertaking aligns with central initiatives to prioritise infrastructure that enables inclusive development in remote locations. HCC will be responsible for delivering the specified civil works and for coordinating with the rail authority and local stakeholders during execution. The contract award adds to the company’s portfolio of infrastructure projects in challenging terrain and underscores a continued focus on projects that require specialised tunnelling and earthwork expertise. Timely coordination with local authorities will be important to manage terrain and weather related constraints during the delivery phase. Progress on the corridor will be monitored by the rail authority as works advance.