Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Shashank Pratap Singh, IAS, spoke to Nagaland Tribune today to highlight the work in progress regarding the Dikhu Bridge damage. He stated that maintenance work on Dikhu Bridge and the road is undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). But as per the DPR, the NHIDCL has a mandate limit for repair work. Pointing out that major repair work is beyond the ambit of NHIDCL, he stated that only small repair work is being carried out.

In order to facilitate uninterrupted repair work of the bridge and road, the DC has issued a travel advisory for the route from Tuensang to Mokokchung. Dated 29 August 2022, the advisory restricts movement of vehicles along the stretch of NH-202 Mokokchung–Tuensang road until further notice. According to the advisory, vehicles with a maximum load capacity of 10 mt traveling towards Tuensang from Mokokchung are to “take the diversion from km 158 NH-62 Longmisa Junction-Longmisa-Dikhu-Alisopor-Thronger-Tuensang” while vehicles travelling towards Mokokchung from Tuensang are directed to “take the diversion from Thronger-Alisopor-Dikhu-Longmisa-Longmisa Junction-Mokokchung.”

It was also learned that the authorities have requested the Secretary of Works & Housing for assistance. Minister of Rural Development Metsubo Jamir, who is from Mokokchung, has also written to the Advisor of Roads & Bridges for early restoration of the bridge. The authorities are hoping for improvement to take place within a few days. They have already directed the problem to the concerned authorities for major restoration work.