KOHIMA-  Heavy monsoon rains lashed Nagaland on Sunday, triggering multiple landslides that disrupted traffic along both National Highway-29 (NH-29) and alternative routes, prompting authorities to issue an urgent travel advisory. While no casualties have been reported, officials have cautioned residents and travelers to remain alert as the state braces for more rain in the coming days.

In Peren district, Deputy Commissioner’s office issued a public advisory warning of several landslides along the Mhainamtsi–Pimla road, an alternate route frequently used when NH-29 is blocked. Authorities confirmed that the road is currently impassable, with debris and unstable slopes posing risks of further slides.

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Meanwhile, flooding from the Chathe River triggered a major landslide near Pherima village on NH-29, the crucial highway connecting state capital Kohima to the commercial hub of Dimapur. Videos shared on social media showed massive debris covering the highway, stranding vehicles and halting movement of goods.

Emergency teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been deployed for clearance and restoration work. Officials recalled that this stretch witnessed a deadly landslide in September 2024, which claimed six lives, underscoring the chronic vulnerability of the route.

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The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) reiterated its warnings about landslide-prone zones in the state, urging people to avoid travel on unsafe stretches, monitor official updates, and remain vigilant in hillside villages. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy showers for the next 48 hours, raising the risk of further landslides and flash floods.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s office assured that state resources have been mobilized, and local communities will receive support. Residents in vulnerable areas have been asked to follow NSDMA’s safety guidelines, including avoiding steep slopes, watching for unusual cracks or ground movement, and preparing for possible evacuations.

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India’s travel landscape is undergoing a decisive shift as smaller cities emerge as the country’s new growth engines for international tourism. Cox & Kings, which is now owned by private equity firm Wilson & Hughes, is repositioning itself to capture this market by focusing heavily on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

With rising incomes, greater connectivity, and younger populations eager to travel abroad, towns such as Jaipur, Indore, Faridabad, and Dharamshala are seeing a surge in families planning their first international holidays. Social media influence and financing options like ‘buy now, pay later’ have further fuelled this trend, making overseas travel both aspirational and attainable.

To tap into this demand, Cox & Kings has launched new franchise outlets in Faridabad, Gurgaon, Dharamshala, Agra and Ahmedabad, with plans to expand to 200 outlets in the coming years. The company expects the upcoming festive and holiday season to accelerate this momentum as families increasingly choose international vacations over traditional domestic trips.

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“Tier-2 and Tier-3 India is no longer a silent segment; it is the growth engine of tomorrow’s travel market. At Cox & Kings, we are combining our 265-year legacy with modern travel expectations to serve these new-age customers. Our franchise-first approach allows us to bring curated experiences closer to their doorstep, while ensuring the reliability and trust the brand is known for,” said Karan Agarwal, Director of Cox & Kings.

Industry data supports this growing shift. Around 8.7% of India’s population holds a valid passport, and in July 2025 alone, over 1.24 million passports were issued. By the end of the year, the figure is expected to surpass 14.5 million.

First-time international visa applications rose 32% over the past year, with more than half originating from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. New airports, direct international routes from smaller cities, and the influence of digital content are driving this surge, with Dubai, Thailand and Singapore topping the list of destinations for first-time travellers.

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Cox & Kings is pursuing a phygital model, blending physical outlets with digital platforms to support first-time travellers seeking premium experiences. Whether it is destination weddings, family anniversaries, or solo adventures, demand from India’s smaller towns is reshaping the country’s outbound tourism, with the company projecting that in five years, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities will outpace metros in producing first-time international tourists.