Movement of heavy vehicles on National Highway 29 (NH-29), connecting Kohima and Dimapur, resumed on Friday after being suspended due to landslides. The relaxation for heavy vehicles began around 10 a.m. on Friday, with more than 400 trucks allowed to pass by the time of this report.
The movement follows clearance of debris as well as restoration of the remaining single-lane on the NH 29 at Pagla Pahar after an advisory from Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima.
The advisory allowed heavy vehicles to pass through the restored single-lane portion but in a restricted manner. Light and medium vehicles are also allowed to use alternative routes such as Jharnapani or the new bypass at New Chümoukedima.
The NH 29 was severed at several places- Pagla Pahar (new New Chümoukedima), Pherima and Tsiepama Model-Piphema- due to flash flood and mudslides on the night of September 3. Vehicular movement was totally paralysed as heavy vehicles remained off road to Kohima since September 4.
In an effort to prioritize essential goods transportation, authorities have allowed heavy vehicles carrying vital supplies to use the highway. The road had been blocked for two days, after sections were washed away by flashflood and mudslides. The flash flood and mudslide claimed six lives near Pherima and destruction of 11 cars, five trucks, and three roadside hotels.
According to Chümoukedima traffic control, stranded trucks are being released in a restricted manner along the one-way portion to prevent congestion in the landslide-affected areas. Priority is given to trucks carrying essential commodities, with other heavy vehicles following.
The release operation is a coordinated effort involving the District Administration of Chümoukedima, traffic police, PWD (National Highways), and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which is actively working to restore the damaged road.
DC Chumou issues travel advisory
DIMAPUR, SEP 6 (NPN): In the wake of the recent landslide on NH-29 stretch, the deputy commissioner (DC) Chumoukedima has issued travel advisory to ensure smooth movement of essential commodities and commuters travelling from Chumoukedima to Kohima and vice versa.
In a travel advisory, DC Chumoukedima Polan John informed that only heavy vehicles ferrying essential commodities would be allowed to ply from Chathe Bridge (Patkai Jn.) to New Chumoukedima, on the NH-29 four lane road on an hourly basis depending on the structural integrity of the road and weather conditions. Further, DC informed that only light vehicles could ply from Chumoukedima Town (Old Check Gate) to New Chumoukedima via Old Chumoukedima village road. The movement of vehicles would be regulated by the traffic police, Chumoukedima.