SAGALEE : The old Doimukh-Sagalee road is set to emerge as a crucial second lifeline for the region as the district administration and Public Works Department (PWD) intensify restoration and clearance operations following recent floods and landslides.

According to Sagalee Additional Deputy Commissioner Kipa Raja, PWD teams from the Sagalee, Toru and Doimukh divisions are working simultaneously from both ends of the old road corridor. Road clearance and bypass formation are underway at severely affected stretches near Yapam Badang and 15 Mile, while the Doimukh Division has begun clearing the route from Kola Camp towards 10 Mile.

Officials expressed hope that once the teams from Sagalee and Doimukh meet at the 10 Mile stretch, the old Doimukh-Sagalee road will be restored, providing an alternative route for traffic movement and emergency services.

Meanwhile, National Highway-13 between Hoj and Sagalee has been reopened for single-lane traffic since 3 pm on June 25, offering much-needed relief to commuters and stranded travellers.

Connectivity has also been restored along the Sagalee-Nakar-Pilla-Parang-Silsango-Moya-Pistana-Pania route, benefiting commuters travelling to and from Keyi Panyor, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Kamle and Upper Subansiri districts.

However, the Kheel-Toru-15 Mile-Kola Camp/Doimukh road remains blocked due to multiple landslides. Officials said engineers from the PWD Sagalee and Toru divisions are assessing the extent of the damage and the time required for complete restoration.

The Yazali/Pitapool-Ompuli-Kheel-Toru road has also been rendered inaccessible after a major bridge was severely damaged and submerged during the floods.

The district administration has appealed to commuters to exercise caution while travelling through vulnerable stretches and cooperate with authorities engaged in restoration works. (DIPR)