A massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall blocked Nagaland’s NH-2 between Kohima-Wokha, stranding vehicles and disrupting supply routes. No casualties reported. Authorities are working to clear the road and arrange alternative routes.
Vehicular movement on a key national highway in Nagaland came to a standstill on Monday after massive landslides, triggered by continuous rainfall, blocked the Kohima–Wokha stretch of National Highway 2 (NH-2). The landslides occurred between the state capital Kohima and Wokha town, leaving hundreds of passengers and goods carriers stranded for several hours.
According to officials, the landslides were caused by incessant rainfall that started on Sunday night, loosening the soil and dislodging boulders from the surrounding hillsides. “Several large rocks and mudslides have completely blocked the highway. Passenger buses, small vehicles, and goods-laden trucks are stuck on both sides,” a Nagaland government official confirmed.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported so far. Teams from the district administration, police, and the Public Works Department (PWD) rushed to the site immediately. However, efforts to clear the highway have been severely hampered by continued rainfall, which is triggering further mudslides and creating safety concerns for workers and engineers.
Alternative routes being arranged
Authorities are working to restore at least partial connectivity by diverting light vehicles through alternative routes. However, heavy vehicles continue to remain stranded as engineers wait for conditions to improve before undertaking large-scale clearance operations.
The affected Kohima–Wokha portion of NH-2 is one of Nagaland’s most critical road links. It connects several districts, including Tseminyu, Wokha, Pughoboto subdivision under Zunheboto district, and Mokokchung, with the state capital Kohima. The highway also acts as a vital supply line for goods and essential commodities, linking Nagaland with Assam’s Dibrugarh and Mizoram’s Tuipang.
Moreover, NH-2 serves as a strategic route connecting Nagaland with neighboring Manipur, making the disruption a major setback not just for local commuters but also for regional trade and interstate travel.
Chief Minister Rio reviews road condition
The landslide incident comes at a time when concerns about the fragile road infrastructure in Nagaland have been growing. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang recently inspected portions of the NH-2 alongside officials from the PWD and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL).
During his visit, Chief Minister Rio had highlighted the recurring challenges posed by the state’s hilly terrain and frequent landslides. “While appreciating the ongoing efforts in restoring connectivity, the hilly and landslide-prone terrain has always been a challenge, requiring new approaches,” Rio said in a post on X.
Earlier, Rio had also held discussions with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging the Centre to prioritize highway repairs and upgradation in Nagaland. He followed up with formal letters to the Union government demanding swift intervention to improve the deteriorating road conditions across the state.
Fragile infrastructure in focus
The landslide once again underscores the vulnerability of Nagaland’s transportation network, which is often disrupted during monsoon months. Landslides not only cut off essential routes but also delay the supply of food grains, fuel, medicines, and other critical goods to landlocked districts.
Residents and civil society groups have long been urging the state and central governments to adopt more sustainable engineering solutions, including slope stabilization, improved drainage systems, and geo-technical reinforcements to minimize landslide risks.
Until the road is cleared, transporters are expected to face further delays and rising costs as essential supplies will need to be rerouted through longer and less reliable roads. For daily commuters, the situation has created severe hardships as they struggle to navigate alternative routes.
Ongoing clearance work
As of Monday evening, clearance operations were continuing despite the inclement weather. Officials expressed hope that at least a single lane could be opened for movement within the next 24 to 48 hours, depending on the rainfall pattern.
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With the Kohima–Wokha stretch being one of the busiest segments of NH-2, restoring connectivity remains a top priority for state authorities. Meanwhile, local residents and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel until road conditions improve.
The latest disruption highlights not only the geographical challenges of Nagaland but also the urgent need for robust infrastructure planning in the state’s highway network. For now, commuters and transporters are left waiting for nature’s fury to subside before life on NH-2 can return to normal.
