A massive landslide has severely disrupted the National Highway-02 (NH-02) corridor between Kohima and Mao, cutting off a critical transport link that connects Nagaland and Manipur. The incident occurred near Phesama village, between chainage Km 192.050 and Km 192.150, halting the movement of essential goods and passenger vehicles into Manipur. The affected stretch is a lifeline for both states, particularly for Manipur, which depends heavily on supplies routed via Dimapur. Officials have confirmed that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is currently engaged in restoration efforts. The Government of Nagaland has already provided necessary land for the work, but the damage is significant, and restoration is expected to take time.
To minimize the impact, immediate traffic diversions have been announced. Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) are being rerouted via Dimapur – Kohima – Phesama – Kisama – Jakhama – Mao – Maram – Imphal (approx. 193 km). For vehicles up to 2-axle load, an alternate route via Dimapur – Kohima – Chakabama – Kidima – Mao – Maram – Imphal (approx. 207 km) has been opened. Officials noted that road work on the 28 km Mao–Kidima–Chakabama stretch, including a 9 km portion in Manipur maintained by the Public Works Department (PWD), is underway. Granular Sub-base (GSB) laying is in progress, and once the weather improves, Wet Mix Macadam (WMM) and Semi Dense Bituminous Concrete (SDBC) works will resume. Despite the construction, this stretch remains open to all vehicle types within Manipur.
The Manipur Government has also moved swiftly to engage with Nagaland counterparts. Principal Secretary (Works), Government of Manipur, has coordinated with the Commissioner/Secretary (Works), Government of Nagaland to identify additional heavy vehicle routes. Two alternative routes suitable for 3-axle load (up to 25 MT) vehicles have been proposed:
Dimapur – Jharnapani – Jalukie – Peren – Maram – Imphal (293 km)
Dimapur – Kohima – Chakabama – Jessami – Ukhrul – Imphal (372 km)
