Nagaland’s essential bypass road, serving as a critical alternative to the damaged National Highway-2 (NH-2), was severely impacted by a significant mudslide on Sunday afternoon, July 20, 2025. Triggered by relentless torrential rains, the incident occurred along the Kisama bypass, a route that has been instrumental in maintaining connectivity after NH-2 became impassable in late May due to a landslide. While the immediate crisis was managed with swift restoration efforts, the event underscores the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure to monsoon fury.
The mudslide, which swept across a steep and narrow stretch between 2 pm and 3 pm on Sunday, unleashed a thick slurry of mud, gravel, and debris. Several vehicles were reportedly swept aside or tipped over, leading to multiple others becoming stuck. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or injuries, a testament to quick reactions and community support.
This particular bypass, originating from Phesama village, meanders past the Rhododendron Resort and ascends towards the Naga Heritage Village, continuing onward to the Southern Angami region and Manipur. Its importance escalated dramatically after a major landslide near the exit of Naga Heritage Village on May 31 rendered NH-2 impassable for light to medium vehicles. Notably, this same bypass proved crucial during the 25th Hornbill Festival in 2024, effectively managing traffic flow for visitors to the Naga Heritage Village.
District officials overseeing the affected site acted promptly. Road clearance operations commenced immediately, with restoration efforts carried out on a war footing. Thanks to these dedicated efforts, the road was remarkably reopened for vehicular movement by 8 pm on Sunday. Viyie Kuotsu, President of the Phesama Youth Organisation, detailed how the mudslide covered approximately 150 meters of the road. He commended the swift mobilization of village youth volunteers who, using ropes and sheer manpower, helped pull tipped-over vehicles back onto the road, initiating the clearance before Public Works Department (PWD) personnel arrived to assist. Kuotsu also confirmed that while several nearby houses, hutments, and cow sheds sustained partial damage, no human casualties were reported.
Meanwhile, there is a glimmer of relief for commuters as officials announced the partial reopening of NH-2 for southbound traffic. While limited, this restoration offers much-needed respite from the ongoing road disruptions that have plagued the region for weeks.
In light of the mudslide’s significant impact on infrastructure and public property, the Kohima district administration, under Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem, has issued a traffic advisory. To facilitate urgent restoration works, the affected stretch below Rhododendron Resort along the Phesama-Kisama/Kigwema alternative route will remain closed to all traffic on July 21 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Recognizing critical needs, medical emergencies and school/college transport will be permitted to use the partially restored NH-2. All other light motor vehicles (LMVs) are advised to take a diversion via the Kigwema – Kezo Town/Chakhabama – Kohima route. Commuters are urged to plan their travel accordingly and extend full cooperation as authorities work to ensure safety and restore full connectivity. Further updates on road conditions and restoration progress are expected to be released in due course.
Mudslide Block Kisama Bypass Road Cleared, The recent mudslide on the Kisama bypass, coming on the heels of the earlier NH-2 disruption, paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by Nagaland’s infrastructure during the relentless monsoon season. While the swift response from local communities, particularly the Phesama Youth Organisation, and district officials ensured a rapid reopening of the bypass, these incidents highlight a recurring vulnerability. The reliance on alternative routes, especially those traversing challenging terrain, means that disruptions can cascade, impacting connectivity for residents, commerce, and essential services across a wide region, including onward to Manipur.
This series of events underscores the critical need for robust, all-weather infrastructure in geographically sensitive areas. Mudslide Block Kisama Bypass Road Cleared Beyond immediate restoration, long-term solutions are paramount – perhaps involving advanced geological surveys, improved drainage systems, and innovative road construction techniques designed to withstand the increasing intensity of monsoon rains. The partial reopening of NH-2 offers a temporary reprieve, but the incident serves as a stark reminder that comprehensive, resilient infrastructure development is not just about convenience; it’s about the lifeline of communities and regional stability. As Nagaland navigates this challenging season, the lessons learned from these disruptions must inform future planning to ensure that its vital arteries remain open, even when nature unleashes its full force.