NH 29 traffic flow remains unpredictable; truckers continue to suffer

KOHIMA — After nearly a month of landslides at Old KMC dumping site along National Highway 29 between Kohima and Dimapur, traffic flow remains inconsistent and unpredictable.

Around 200 metres (both in length and in breadth) of the road had caved in after heavy triggered landslides on September 9 and the 11th.

Till date, vehicles pass through the stretch facing road opening inconsistencies, despite clearance efforts by National Highway (PWD) and round the clock monitoring of traffic by Kohima Police.

Further, daily restoration works have been affected by movement of heavy vehicles as well as rainfall forming stagnant water on the road.

When Eastern Mirror visited the site on Saturday, an official from National Highway (PWD) said that repair works are being carried out on a daily basis. But during the night, the repaired portions of the road sink after heavy-loaded vehicles pass through the stretch.

One truck alone carries over a thousand bags of materials resulting in sinking of the repaired roads by day, he said, indicating the absence of weight control checking and regulation of heavy vehicles.

On Sunday, the department plans to employ more machinery and cut some portion of the wall affected by previous landslides and fill up the road.

As for work schedule, he said that around four of them are on (day) duty on a daily basis with two machines, depending on the work.

While light motor vehicles are routed via Jotsoma, heavy vehicles are often made to wait for the roads to be repaired, compelling the drivers to be stranded for hours and days together in order to drive past the stretch.

One of the stranded drivers shared that it took him five days from Dimapur to reach the Old KMC dumping site and was hopeful of passing through the stretch by Saturday night.

The driver, who was carrying ‘government’ ration from Assam to Imphal, added that it took him 15 days to reach the destination on his last trip, too, due to road block by landslides.

Another truck driver, who was preparing for lunch when Eastern Mirror met him, said that they used to carry their own food supply like rice and vegetables in case of emergencies such as the one they are facing now.

Travelling to Imphal after five months, he said that it took him and his friends five days to cover four kilometres, which is from around Dzudza Bridge to the dumping site.

He vowed not to come again until the rainfall season is over.

Kohima Police are monitoring traffic flow in various points including the previous KMC check-gate, Old KMC dumping site, and Jotsoma by-pass. Personnel are detailed for 24 hours on a roster-basis to monitor these points for traffic flow, it was informed.