Single lane cleared on Kohima-Dimapur road

KOHIMA — A single lane of the old KMC dumping site stretch of National Highway 29 reopened to traffic on Wednesday evening, providing some relief after a landslide blocked the crucial route for two days.

However, officials warned that the affected area remains unstable, and further rainfall could trigger more landslides.

The landslide, which occurred Monday buried a 60-metre stretch of road under debris and affected the area extending approximately 200 metres above the road. The Nagaland Public Works Department (PWD) worked tirelessly to clear the debris and reopen the road, but their efforts to clear both lanes were hampered by additional rainfall, which caused further slippage.

While heavy vehicles stranded by the blockage were able to pass through the single cleared lane Wednesday night, officials expressed concern that debris from the upper portion of the landslide could break loose if the rain continues.

By Wednesday night, a single lane was opened for stranded heavy vehicles to pass through. However, affected debris from the upper part might cave in anytime if rainfall continues, official sources informed.

Light vehicles travelling towards Dimapur continue to be diverted through Kohima bypass via Jotsoma village.

As of Wednesday, a long queue of Kohima-bound heavy vehicles, including those carrying essential goods and construction materials, stretched from near the dumping site to Zubza. The stretch near Dzüdza Bridge, which was also previously blocked, has now been cleared for traffic.

Also read: NHIDCL proposes Chathe River diversion to prevent NH 29 erosion

Read more: Yet another landslide blocks Kohima-Dimapur highway