The Kohima district administration has ordered the temporary closure of a vulnerable section of National Highway-29 near the Old KMC dumping site, following safety concerns raised during an official assessment. In a notification issued on Tuesday, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner stated that the road segment at Chainage KM 175.350 has been declared unfit for vehicular movement. The order said the closure was imposed “in the interest of public safety” and will remain in force until further notice.
Authorities have worked out alternative routes to regulate traffic during the closure. As per the diversion plan, light motor vehicles (LMVs) will be rerouted through the Jotsoma Bypass Road, ensuring that intra-city movement continues without disruption. Meanwhile, heavy vehicles, district-bound carriers, mid-sized pick-ups, commercial passenger vehicles, and military or paramilitary convoys will be redirected via the Peducha Bridge–Tsiesema 10 Mile Road corridor. The Deputy Commissioner’s office has also warned commuters against violating the diversion rules, stating that offenders would face prosecution under relevant legal provisions. The order underscores the importance of adhering to the traffic plan to prevent congestion and ensure safety along the alternative routes.
NH-29, which connects Kohima with key districts of Nagaland and also serves as an important lifeline linking the state to Assam and Manipur, has long been vulnerable to landslides and road damage, especially during the monsoon season. The present closure adds to concerns about the state’s road infrastructure, which continues to face pressure due to difficult terrain and heavy vehicular load.
