Landslide triggers road subsidence along NH-2 at Kisama

Incessant rains over the past several days triggered a massive landslide resulting in road subsidence near Kisama village, just a few metre away from the Naga Heritage Village exit on National Highway-2 (NH-2). The sinking of the road has severely disrupted traffic movement along the vital interstate highway that connects Nagaland and Manipur.
Numerous vehicles and travelers were reported to have been stranded on both sides of the subsided road. Several trucks, particularly those carrying heavy goods bound for Manipur, were stuck on the road.
Additional SP (traffic) Kohima, Tshurhosie Kajiri informed Nagaland Post that the subsidence occurred in an already-identified sinking zone, located on the stretch leading up from Kohima, just before the Kisama Heritage Village exit.
He said that while some vehicles were able to ply the route till late Thursday night, at least three heavily loaded trucks attempting to cross the area got stuck and as a result blocked the entire road.
As per reports from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the clearance of the road is expected to take two to three days. In the meantime, the movement of heavy vehicles will remain suspended. The disruption has particularly impacted educational institutions such as St Joseph’s College, Jakhama, which relies on over 50 buses and LMVs on working days. The incident comes at a crucial time, with end-semester examinations underway.
Traffic advisory: In response to the disruption, the Kohima district administration has issued an official traffic advisory.
In a directive, DC Kohima Henok Buchem stated that in view of the massive road sinking between chainage KM 192.050 to KM 192.150 near Phesama, the affected stretch of NH-2 would remain completely closed until further notice.
All heavy vehicles travelling towards Kohima from Manipur will be stopped at Khuzama, while those heading towards Manipur from Dimapur would be halted at Sechu Zubza.
For light motor vehicles (LMVs), alternate routes have been notified. Kohima-bound LMVs may take the Demorie Cove or JCC-Kisama-Phesama route (one way only), while Manipur-bound LMVs may proceed via BSF Camp–Chakhabama–Kidima–Viswema/Mao Gate route.
The district administration has also cautioned the public to stay away from affected electric poles and conductors in the area until they were secured by the relevant department.
Meanwhile, local villagers, particularly from the Southern Angami region, have stepped in to assist travellers and help the administration manage the situation.
The Merama Youth Organisation (MYO), Phesama, has also issued safety advisories, urging the public to avoid the Kisama exit road, particularly for heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks.
It pointed out that certain portions of the road were narrow and posed risks of congestion and accidents.
A public statement circulated on social media urged vehicle owners and drivers to cooperate with the restrictions to help maintain smooth traffic flow and ensure public safety.
The affected road segment is crucial for daily commuters, transportation of essential goods, medical services, and other critical travel to and from Southern Angami villages, neighbouring districts, and Manipur.
It may be recalled that a major landslide occurred in the same area in 2018, which completely cut off the highway and caused extensive damage to houses and farmland. The area, prone to sinking especially during the monsoon season, had undergone road repair ahead of the 25th Hornbill Festival in 2024.
Speaking to local media, Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) president Zasitsolie Beio stated that the landslide occurred on Sunday afternoon.
He confirmed that a significant number of vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, were stranded on both sides of the affected site.
He disclosed that SAYO team would be visiting the location early Monday morning to coordinate with authorities and facilitate arrangements for an alternative route, especially for emergency services.
Zasitsolie urged the public to avoid the affected route unless absolutely necessary, citing the high volume of stranded transport vehicles.
In the event of prolonged disruption, Beio mentioned that emergency travellers could be dropped on one side of the affected site and picked up on the other side after crossing it on foot.
He said the SAYO was in contact with the Kohima district administration and was actively working toward immediate solutions.
Regarding student travel, Beio said the SAYO was coordinating with the authorities of St Joseph’s College to ensure that students were not hindered from attending their upcoming examinations, adding that efforts were being made to arrange an alternative travel route by Monday morning.