The Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, has announced that a stretch of National Highway-2 at Phesama will be temporarily closed on August 4, 2026. The closure will be in effect from 8 am to 6 pm and will impact the section of the highway between Chainage Km 191+840 and Km 192+100 in the Phesama sinking area.
The decision to close the highway was made in response to a request from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), PMU Jakhama. The corporation cited the intermittent falling of boulders from adjoining hill slopes in the affected area as the reason for the closure. The move is intended to prioritize public safety and facilitate restoration work on the highway.
During the closure period, the movement of heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will be suspended. Light motor vehicles (LMVs) will be diverted via the Phesama–Kisama/Kigwema route through Rhododendron Resort in both directions. Manipur-bound HMVs have been advised to travel via Peren district, while in emergencies, the Kohima–Jessami and Chakhabama–Zunheboto roads may be used, subject to prescribed load limits.
The Deputy Commissioner has appealed to the general public to cooperate fully and adhere to the traffic advisories to ensure safety and enable the smooth restoration of the affected highway stretch.
