NH-29: Kohima-Dimapur road partially restored

Kohima, July 19 (EMN): Authorities have announced on Thursday that a stretch of Kohima-Dimapur road along National Highway-29 below the M/s Avilie Petrol Pump has been ‘partially restored’ and opened for traffic with immediate effect.

The PRO Kohima police stated in a press release on Thursday that traffic on said stretch of the highway would be regulated for smooth passage of vehicles. The police have requested travellers to bear with inconveniences.

Mudslides due to incessant rain had sunk the portion to about 10 feet below the original level. The road completely cut off traffic since July 8. Vehicles were diverted to alternative routes.

Authorities were compelled to pave a fresh road through a portion of private land and houses above the damaged highway.

According to an official of the Public Works department (National Highways), the restoration work was not an easy task as the area was not stable due to loose soil and water underneath. The source said that the department is doing its best to stabilize the road condition and restore the road fully at the earliest.

The establishment of Kohima district’s additional deputy commissioner has informed that traffic on the freshly paved road was opened on Thursday after the district administration, traffic police, PWD and the district disaster management agency had a meeting Wednesday evening. The officer said construction of a retaining wall and drainage is still on, for which only single-lane traffic was being allowed for the time being as regular flow.

Machineries have been kept at ready at the site to repair the road in the event depression of soil takes place.