NH-2 at Phesama will remain closed for 10 hours on August 4 as restoration work continues amid boulder fall risks
DIMAPUR — Kohima district administration has ordered the temporary closure of a vulnerable stretch of National Highway-2 (Kohima–Mao section) at the Phesama Sinking area on Tuesday to facilitate restoration work and ensure public safety amid continued boulder falls.
According to an order issued by District Magistrate B Henok Buchem on Monday, the affected stretch between Chainage Km 191+840 and Km 192+100 will remain closed from 8 am to 6 pm on August 4 following a request from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), PMU Jakhama.
The closure comes after NHIDCL reported intermittent falling of boulders from adjoining hill slopes in the Phesama Sinking area, posing a risk to commuters and ongoing restoration work.
Related: Travel advisory issued for NH-2 stretch near Phesama amid landslide risk
During the 10-hour closure, the movement of heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) on the affected section will remain suspended.
Light motor vehicles (LMVs) travelling in both directions will be diverted through the Phesama–Kisama/Kigwema route via Rhododendron Resort.
Manipur-bound HMVs have been advised to take the Peren district route as an alternative. In emergency situations, the Kohima–Jessami and Chakhabama–Zunheboto roads may also be used, subject to prescribed load limits.