Heavy and continuous rainfall has triggered landslides at three locations along National Highway 315A, threatening to disrupt road connectivity between Assam’s Dibrugarh district and Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district. The highway, which connects Jeypore in Dibrugarh district with Deomali and Khonsa in Tirap district, has suffered significant damage following the landslides. All three affected stretches are located near the Kathalguri Beat Office under the Jeypore Forest Range, close to the notorious ‘U-turn’ section of the road.
Nearly half of the hillside roadway at the affected points has collapsed into a deep gorge, leaving only a narrow stretch open for traffic. The situation is particularly concerning as the road passes through the Dihing Patkai National Park and underwent widening and reconstruction only last year. Despite the recent upgrades, fresh landslides have once again rendered parts of the route vulnerable and hazardous.
As a precautionary measure, authorities have imposed a night traffic ban along the Jeypore-Kathalguri stretch, restricting vehicular movement between 6 pm and 6 am. Safety barricades have also been installed at the damaged sections by the National Highways Authority. However, concerns remain that continued erosion and fresh landslides could lead to a complete disruption of traffic on the route.
The highway serves as a vital lifeline for residents of Tirap district, with people from Khonsa, Deomali, Namsang and adjoining areas depending heavily on Dibrugarh and other parts of Upper Assam for healthcare, trade, education and essential supplies. A complete closure of the highway could severely affect connectivity and access to essential services for thousands of residents in the region. With the monsoon intensifying and rainfall continuing across the area, local residents and authorities have urged the National Highways Authority to undertake emergency stabilisation and repair work to prevent further damage and ensure uninterrupted connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
