Mokokchung district is facing a deepening connectivity crisis after a major collapse on National Highway-2 between Chuchuyimlang and Unger severed one of its most critical transport corridors, cutting off Tuli subdivision from both sides and threatening the movement of passengers and essential commodities into the district.
The highway, which connects Mokokchung with Tuli, Dimapur and Assam via the Amguri route, has been rendered impassable after incessant monsoon rain caused a stretch of the road to sink, crack and collapse. With no regular motorable alternative available, vehicular movement along the route has come to a standstill.
The disruption has already affected public transport, with almost all night bus services between Mokokchung and Dimapur suspended. According to Nagaland Tribune, Alino Night Bus Service has suspended operations until further notice due to the damaged highway.
The road closure has left residents of Akhoya, Changtongya, Merangkong, Kangtsüng and neighbouring villages unable to travel towards Tuli, while commuters from the Tuli side are cut off from Mokokchung through Unger, Chuchuyimlang, Mongsenyimti, Yisemyong.
Expressing concern over the situation, Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Tsukti Longkumer said the disruption would “badly affect” the transportation of essential commodities into the district. He said the chamber would approach the district administration to explore temporary routes for light vehicles via Longjang and Asangma, while NH-702D through Mariani could also be considered as an alternative for movement.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung has issued a public advisory directing commuters to use a temporary diversion between Unger Village Local Ground and the Kelingmen-Asangma road junction. However, authorities clarified that the route is suitable only for light motor vehicles and has been opened in the interest of public safety.
The monsoon has also disrupted electricity supply in several parts of the district. Executive Engineer of Changtongya Electrical Division, Temjensangba, said Changtongya is under a complete blackout after the main transmission line was damaged. He said restoration is expected to take time as teams continue searching for the damaged section in difficult terrain.
In Tuli, two transformers have been submerged by floodwaters, although electricity supply remains available in most parts of the town. The main power line serving Kangtsüng village has also been damaged, affecting nearby areas.
Attempts by Mokokchung Times to obtain comments from the Deputy Commissioner and the PWD (National Highways) regarding restoration work and the condition of the affected highway were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.