IMPHAL, July 2: A massive landslide has severely disrupted the flow of essential goods and passenger traffic between Nagaland and Manipur, following a collapse on a critical stretch of National Highway-02 (NH-02) at Phesama village, Nagaland. The incident, which occurred between Chainage Km 192.050 to Km 192.150, has cut off a key lifeline connecting Kohima and Mao, impacting the regular movement along this vital corridor.

In a press note issued by the Works Department, Government of Manipur, authorities confirmed that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is currently engaged in the restoration of the damaged section near Km 192 on the Kohima-Mao road. The District Administration, Kohima, has provided the necessary land for restoration, but officials noted that due to the large quantum of work required, the restoration process is expected to take time.

To maintain uninterrupted connectivity between the two states during the repair period, the following traffic diversion plans have been implemented and are currently in effect:

Traffic Diversion Routes:

1. Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) Traffic:
   Diverted via Dimapur – Kohima – Phesama – Kisama – Jakhama – Mao – Maram – Imphal, covering a total distance of 193 km.
2. Traffic up to 2-Axle Load Vehicles:
   Rerouted via Dimapur – Kohima – Chakabama – Kidima – Mao – Maram – Imphal, covering 207 km.

Authorities further noted that out of the 28 km stretch between Mao and Chakabama via Kidima, 9 km lies within Manipur state, and is currently maintained by the Public Works Department (PWD), Manipur. Road widening and laying of Granular Sub-base (GSB) are already in progress. The laying of Wet Mix Macadam (WMM) and Semi Dense Bituminous Concrete (SDBC) will resume as soon as weather conditions permit.

Despite ongoing maintenance, the Manipur section of the diversion route remains open to all types of traffic, including goods and passenger vehicles, and is currently operating without hindrance within Manipur territory.

While expressing appreciation to the Government of Nagaland for their cooperation in facilitating diversion plans for LMVs, the Principal Secretary (Works), Government of Manipur, A.K. Sinha, has also communicated with the Commissioner/Secretary (Works), Government of Nagaland, proposing alternative routes for heavy vehicles, to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods to Manipur via Dimapur.

Proposed Alternative Routes for Heavy Vehicles (up to 3-Axle Load / 25 MT):

1. Dimapur – Jharnapani – Jalukie – Peren – Maram – Imphal (Total distance: 293 km)
2. Dimapur – Kohima – Chakabama – Jessami – Ukhrul – Imphal (Total distance: 372 km)