Northeast Desk, 7th September: Movement of heavy vehicles on National Highway 29 (NH-29), linking Kohima and Dimapur, resumed on Friday following a two-day suspension due to severe landslides. The relaxation began around 10 a.m., allowing over 400 trucks to pass by day’s end.
The restoration follows extensive debris clearance and the reopening of a single-lane section at Pagla Pahar, based on an advisory from the Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima. The advisory permits restricted heavy vehicle movement through this cleared single-lane area, while light and medium vehicles are advised to use alternative routes, including Jharnapani and the new bypass at New Chümoukedima.
The highway was heavily affected by flash floods and mudslides on the night of September 3, causing substantial damage at Pagla Pahar, Pherima, and Tsiepama Model-Piphema. This disruption rendered the road impassable for heavy vehicles, halting transportation to Kohima since September 4.
Restoration efforts are focused on facilitating the movement of trucks carrying essential goods. The floods and mudslides led to the loss of six lives near Pherima, and the destruction of 11 cars, five trucks, and three roadside hotels.
Chümoukedima traffic control is managing the release of stranded trucks to prevent congestion. Priority is given to essential commodity trucks, with other heavy vehicles following a regulated sequence.
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