Manipur explores alternate road links to Dimapur NH-2 remains cut off

IMPHAL — Manipur government has proposed two alternative routes to connect Imphal with Dimapur via National Highway 2, following the landslide at Phesama in Kohima, which has rendered the main route impassable since early June.

The landslide, which occurred between June 1 and June 4, damaged a 50-metre stretch of the highway near Phesama, cutting off one of the key lifelines connecting Nagaland and Manipur.

In response, Manipur’s principal secretary (Works) announced that two alternate routes capable of accommodating vehicles up to 3-axle load (25 metric tonnes) have been identified and proposed to the Nagaland government.

The first route runs from Dimapur through Jharnapani, Jalukie, and Peren before reaching Maram and continuing to Imphal, covering a distance of 293 kilometres.

Also read: Nagaland-Manipur lifeline severed as NH-2 collapses near Kisama

The second option is a longer stretch running from Dimapur via Kohima, Chakabama, Jessami, and Ukhrul before reaching Imphal, totalling 372 kilometres, as per a press note issued by Manipur’s principal secretary (Works).

In the meantime, diversions for light motor vehicles have already been implemented.

These include the Dimapur–Kohima–Phesama–Kisama–Jakhama–Mao–Maram–Imphal route, which is 193 kilometres long, and the Dimapur–Kohima–Chakabama–Kidima–Mao–Maram–Imphal route, measuring 207 kilometres.

The 28-kilometre stretch between Mao, Kidima, and Chakabama includes nine kilometres within Manipur, which is currently under maintenance by the neighbouring state’s Public Works Department.

Local efforts have also been mobilised to maintain the alternative routes with the Manipur Drivers Association, Senapati District Truck Owners Association, Senapati District Truck Drivers Union, and the Northeast Federation of Trade Unions taking up road repairs along the Chakabama–Kidima stretch in Nagaland. In Manipur, a team led by local MLA Losü Dikho is overseeing road works from Pudunamei to Kalinamei, according to people familiar with the matter.

Read more: Kezochazou range villages urge Nagaland government to repair alternate route amid NH-2 closure

Meanwhile, fresh landslides occurred at Old Kaiphundai along the Imphal–Jiribam route (National Highway-37) on Thursday, disrupting vehicular movement once again. The incident followed heavy overnight rainfall in the area. However, restoration efforts were swiftly undertaken using heavy machinery, and according to local sources, traffic was soon restored.

Despite the disruption, reports confirmed the movement of 58 Imphal-bound goods trucks, including 31 oil tankers, from Jiribam district headquarters on Thursday morning, maintaining essential supplies to the region.