A massive landslide at KM 12.900 on National Highway-2 near Tsiesema Basa in Kohima district has brought vehicular movement to a complete standstill, prompting the district administration to issue an urgent traffic advisory. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kohima confirmed that the incident has cut off the crucial highway link, which serves as a lifeline for inter-district and inter-state connectivity. To ease movement for stranded commuters, an alternative route has been notified for light motor vehicles (LMVs). According to the advisory, vehicles can now travel from High Court Junction through Meriema and Nagaland University Campus, rejoining the highway at Tsiesema Basa near the 5 Sector Assam Rifles camp and Koinonia Prayer Centre Junction.
However, officials have cautioned that the makeshift route is narrow and not suitable for heavy vehicles. Trucks and buses, particularly those heading towards Manipur and Dimapur, will be regulated by traffic police depending on the condition of the road. The administration has urged transporters to cooperate with authorities to avoid congestion and ensure smooth passage of emergency services. The DC’s office said the advisory was necessary to prioritise public safety and to enable unhindered restoration work on the damaged stretch of the highway. Authorities, including the district disaster management team and road engineers, have been deployed to assess the situation and carry out clearance operations.
Landslides are a recurring challenge in Nagaland during the monsoon season, often disrupting highways and isolating parts of the state. Officials have appealed to motorists to remain cautious while travelling in hilly terrain and to strictly follow traffic regulations. Restoration work on NH-2 is expected to begin immediately, but the timeline for reopening the road will depend on weather conditions and the scale of debris clearance required.
