Imphal, July 2 (HS): Traffic between Manipur and Nagaland has been completely disrupted due to a massive landslide on a key part of National Highway-02 between Kohima and Mao. Movement of essential goods and passenger vehicles has come to a halt.

The landslide occurred at Phesama village, destroying the main road connecting the two states.

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited is engaged in repairing the damaged portion. According to officials, the Nagaland government has provided the required land, but the damage is excessive and repairs will take a lot of time.

Considering the situation, alternate routes have been decided for light and medium vehicles—

Light vehicles: Dimapur – Kohima – Phesama – Kisama – Jakhama – Mao – Maram – Imphal (total distance: 193 km) and vehicles upto 2-axle: Dimapur – Kohima – Chakabama – Kidima – Mao – Maram – Imphal (total distance: 207 km).

Maintenance work is going on by PWD Manipur on the 28 km road from Mao to Chakabama including 9 km in Manipur border. Laying of GSB is in progress while work of WMM and SDBC layer will start after improvement in weather.

Though construction work is going on, this alternate route is open for all types of vehicles and traffic is moving normally within the Manipur border.

The Principal Secretary of the concerned department of the Government of Manipur, in coordination with the Secretary of the Government of Nagaland, has also proposed alternate routes for heavy vehicles.

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

The landslide has further increased the logistics challenges in the area during this sensitive period of monsoon. The governments of both the states are working together to restore the route and normalize traffic. -------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash