Dimapur: The Pagla Pahar stretch of National Highway 29, located at the Tsiedukhru Range, has reopened to traffic, allowing one-way movement under the regulation of Traffic Police, Chumoukedima.
This stretch, which runs between Chathe Bridge (Patkai Junction) and New Chumoukedima Village, has been a critical route connecting Dimapur and Kohima.
The reopening was announced through a travel advisory issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Chumoukedima on Monday. The advisory follows a partial modification of previous directives issued on September 5 and September 12. According to the notice, traffic on this section will be regulated to ensure one-way movement at a time.
However, restrictions remain in place for the Chumoukedima Town (Old Check Gate) to New Chumoukedima via Old Chumoukedima Village road, which will be closed to all traffic between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM to ensure public safety.
The new advisory took effect at 6:00 AM on September 24 and will remain in force until further notice. Authorities have urged commuters to follow the updated guidelines and cooperate with traffic management officials to ensure smooth transit through the area.
Earlier this month, heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides along sections of NH-29, causing significant damage to the highway. The most severely affected areas were the Pherima and Pagla Pahar stretches in Chumoukedima district, where landslides and mudslides swept away portions of the highway, disrupting road connectivity between Dimapur, Nagaland’s commercial hub, and the state capital, Kohima.
Deputy Commissioner of Chumoukedima, Polan John, NCS, convened a review meeting on Monday to assess the condition of NH-29 and ongoing restoration efforts. The meeting, held at the DC office in Chumoukedima, focused on the removal of overhanging rocks, restoration of two-lane sections, and updates to the travel advisory.
Key officials present included ADC Medziphema, EAC Seithekema, Traffic and Police representatives, PWD NH officials, representatives from Chumoukedima and New Chumoukedima villages, members of the CPO and CYO, the General Manager of Dimapur PMU, NHIDCL, and contractors.
During the meeting, participants discussed the challenges affecting the highway and explored potential solutions to expedite restoration efforts.
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