National Highway 39 cleared; traffic resumes

Kohima, May 20 (EMN): Normal traffic on National Highway 39 resumed on Saturday following the authorities clearing a blockage caused by landslide along a portion of the road on Friday evening.

Sources have informed that heavy commercial vehicles, which were stranded for a couple of days along the stretch of Peducha village, in Kohima district, were allowed to pass through during the previous evening.

Following a landslide last Sunday afternoon, the highway was partially blocked, paralysing traffic.

The clearance has given a relief to citizens, including those from Manipur. Had the blockage remained for a few more days, it would have added more problems besides the fuel shortage which Kohima town, the state’s capital, reportedly experienced yesterday. It was likely that the prices of commodities may have increased had the commercial vehicles not allowed passage.

Some small vehicles were seen taking the alternative route via Kiruphema village. As of today, traffic had resumed on National Highway 39. However, there is considerable risk should heavy downpour continue this monsoon.

The highway is the lifeline of Kohima and neighbouring Manipur. It will be costly for both should there be another road blocks from landslides.

The Nagaland government ought to respond by maintaining the alternative roads that run via Kiruphema, Sechü Zubza and the other routes through 10th Mile at Tsiesema before the monsoon arrives, a concerned citizen told this reporter.