Dimapur: The Kohima district administration has imposed restrictions on heavy commercial vehicles along a vulnerable stretch of the road affected by continuous sinking and debris falling from adjoining hill slopes amid monsoon rains.
Kohima District Magistrate B Henok Buchem, through a series of orders and advisories, said the affected section between Chainage Km 191+840 and Km 192+100 has become unsafe due to road subsidence and intermittent landslides, disrupting normal traffic movement.
Under the latest restrictions, all heavy commercial vehicles travelling towards Manipur or Jakhama subdivision will be stopped at Peducha under Sechu Zubza subdivision.
The vehicles will be released in phases based on the progress of restoration work and the condition of the affected road.
Kohima traffic police have been instructed to deploy personnel at Peducha and other key locations to enforce the restrictions and regulate the movement of heavy vehicles.
Vehicles heading towards Manipur have been advised to use the alternate route through Peren district, in line with existing restrictions imposed by the Peren district authorities.
In case of emergencies, motorists may use the Kohima-Jessami and Chakhabama-Zunheboto roads.
Meanwhile, light motor vehicles will continue to use the Phesama–Kisama–Kigwema diversion via Rhododendron Resort, which will remain open for two-way traffic.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), PMU-Jakhama, has been directed to deploy maximum available machinery and manpower for daily restoration work at the Phesama sinking zone.
According to the order, restoration efforts will focus on clearing debris and stabilising the damaged stretch to restore safe traffic movement.
The administration has also advised pedestrians to strictly avoid crossing the affected landslide section.