Landslides choke NH-29 again, alternative routes hit

DIMAPUR — Heavy rainfall over the past few days has triggered severe landslides and rockfalls along the Tsiedukhru range, popularly known as Pagla Pahar, on National Highway 29 in Chümoukedima district.

The incessant downpour has caused multiple mudslides across the stretch, bringing vehicular traffic to a halt since early Sunday morning and leaving commuters stranded for hours.

According to reports, landslides occurred under Chümoukedima Ward 1, between the highway fuel station and Patkai Bridge, forcing traffic police to restrict movement and seal the route.

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The highway to Kohima is completely cut off, including the bypass road from Chümoukedima to Old Chümoukedima, affecting both passenger and goods carriers.

Pagla Pahar, notorious for recurrent rockslides, has seen past incidents that caused fatalities, severe injuries, and extensive property damage.

The alternative Kohima–Dimapur route via Niuland–Zhadima was also blocked by a landslide at Ghotovi village, leaving few options for travellers.

Continuous rainfall hampered clearance work despite round-the-clock monitoring by traffic police and local volunteers. Authorities were engaged in restoration efforts, though persistent rain raised fears of fresh slides at multiple points.

“The sections of NH-29 known to be vulnerable are under constant monitoring, and we are in regular touch with NHIDCL, keeping a close watch on the situation,” said traffic police personnel on duty.

Read more: CNCCI renews upgrade call as fresh mudslides choke NH-29

By afternoon, lighter motor vehicles and emergency services were allowed to use the Pimla–Mhainamtsi road, though heavy vehicles remained restricted.

An excavator was kept on standby on Mhainamtsi road for immediate clearance if required. The Niuland–Zhadima road was reopened to traffic after 12 noon, but officials cautioned that continuous rains may worsen conditions and trigger fresh blockages along the fragile highway stretch.