State chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Thursday inspected the landslide-affected stretch of NH-29 at Liezocha, Old BRTF (near Temple).
According to a DIPR, Rio held discussions with officials on both immediate and long-term measures to restore the damaged portion of the highway. Possible solutions deliberated included widening the hillside, filling the affected stretch, and seeking expert technical assessment from the Ministry. Directing the concerned department to take urgent repair works, Rio said the road must be made motorable at the earliest.
He further instructed that at least metalling of the affected stretch should be completed before the Hornbill Festival, given the crucial connectivity role of NH-29.
Traffic regulations: Due to worsening condition of the NH-29 stretch below Old KMC dumping site (near Shiva Mandir) and ongoing restoration works, DC Kohima has ordered the section closed to all traffic till further notice.
Heavy vehicles, including water tankers, military and paramilitary vehicles, and mid- to heavy commercial passenger vehicles, will be diverted via Peducha Bridge-Tsiesema (10 Mile Road). Only LMVs will be allowed on Jotsoma Bypass and violation would invite prosecution under relevant law, it said.