NH-2 landslide-hit stretch near Kisama is expected to reopen by November 20, with 80% of restoration work completed
-1793709147316.webp&w=1200&q=75)
PHESAMA — The landslide-hit stretch of National Highway-2 near Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, is expected to reopen by November 20, with around 80% of the restoration work completed, contractors informed the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) during an inspection on Tuesday.
SAYO president Zasitsolie Beio said the organisation, along with the unit presidents and secretaries of its federating units from Southern Angami areas, inspected the site and observed the ongoing restoration work. He said the organisation was satisfied with the progress and expressed hope that the road would reopen soon.
According to Beio, the contractors had informed them that the road was expected to reopen by November 20. However, blacktopping and other works were still pending.
He also appealed to the district administration to consider opening a temporary passage for the public, particularly during rush hours, citing the difficulties faced by local residents and commuters using the alternative route from Kisama.
Also read: Phesama NH-02 restoration resumes, NHIDCL sets November deadline
Beio said the hardships were particularly affecting school and college students, with college students soon preparing for their final examinations. He urged the administration to consider allowing students to use a temporary passage to commute for their examinations.
Meanwhile, Phesama Youth Organisation president Ketounei-o Zashümo said the condition of the alternative route connecting Phesama and Kisama/Kigwema, particularly the stretch around Rhododendron Resort and Kisama Gate, had deteriorated considerably.
WATCH MORE:
He said even small and light vehicles were finding it difficult to cross the stretch, leading to traffic congestion during morning rush hours. School and college students were also unable to reach their institutions on time due to the poor road condition.
Zashümo urged the contractors and those responsible for maintaining the alternative road to complete the repair work by next week to ease the difficulties faced by students and office-goers during morning and evening rush hours.
Contractor Ketousie Khamo said efforts were being made to complete the restoration work at the earliest, acknowledging the hardships faced by the public. He said soiling and metalling work on the Phesama side was expected to be completed by Monday, November 9, after which students would be allowed to use the emergency road. He clarified that the stretch towards Kisama was being handled by a different contractor.
Khamo also acknowledged the cooperation and support extended by the people of Phesama during the restoration work.
The landslide-hit stretch, where a landslide that had occurred in previous years recurred earlier this year, is a vital road connecting Nagaland with Manipur along NH-2. It also serves commuters from neighbouring districts and provides access to Kisama, the venue of the annual Hornbill Festival.
The 27th edition of the Hornbill Festival is scheduled to begin on December 1, with President of India Droupadi Murmu scheduled to attend the inaugural day.