Restoration work underway on sunken NH-2 road at Phesama; partial traffic resumption likely soon

PHESAMA — Restoration works for the sunken road at Phesama near Naga Heritage Village Kisama along National Highway (NH) 2 are in full swing, with workers hinting at regulated traffic being resumed soon.

The affected section of NH-2, which has been fully collapsed since June 1, serves as a crucial route connecting Kohima to Mao Gate. It also facilitates access to several educational institutions in the region.

When Eastern Mirror visited the site on Wednesday, the mud sinking was under control as the springs were being channelled through pipes for disposal.

Excavators were clearing mud debris, which was being carried away by tipper trucks to a location over 4 km away.

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Other soil materials were being used to fill the pit below, where bamboo and wooden poles were inserted alongside Geo-bags and Geogrid work in progress at the sinking zone, up to eight layers for reinforcement. More layers will be built in the coming days to reach the existing road surface and secure the area from further erosion.

While a passage has been cleared for the movement of tipper trucks and workers in the affected area, the contractor engaged by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for the restoration said that the road's slope still needs to be reduced horizontally by about two metres to make it usable.

Adding that, after levelling the surface, breast wall and slope protection work need to be carried out to stabilise and reinforce the slopes for safety, the contractor expressed hope that if the weather remains favourable over the next few days, the road could be opened for about an hour each in the morning and evening to allow college buses and emergency vehicles to pass in a regulated manner until the stretch is fully restored.

The contractor also appealed for patience, stating that the necessary machinery is already in operation for early restoration, and that more equipment could be brought in if required—provided there is adequate space to deploy it effectively.

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He further mentioned that the required human resources, including technical staff and workers, are available and working regularly.

Meanwhile, light vehicles are being diverted through alternate routes via Phesama, Rhododendron Resort, and Kisama. Heavy vehicles are plying from BSF Camp–Chakhabama via Kidima to Manipur.

Officials from NHIDCL are regularly monitoring the progress of the restoration work to ensure its early completion.