Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Monsoon rains have devastated National Highway 37, the primary supply artery connecting Imphal to Silchar in Assam. The deteriorating state of the road, characterized by deep mud, large potholes, and frequent landslides, has triggered widespread concern over potential shortages of fuel and essential goods across Manipur.
The situation is compounded by ongoing blockades on National Highway 2, which links Imphal to Dimapur through Nagaland. As traffic diverts to the already fragile NH-37, the road struggles to handle the increased load. Drivers describe sections near Irang Bridge, Rengpang-Nungba, Sibilong-Barak, and Kaiphundai as nearly impassable, with some areas submerged in knee-deep slush that forces vehicles to rely on excavators for help.
A journey that typically spans eight hours now takes up to two days. Narrow road sections permit only single-lane movement, resulting in lengthy delays as trucks wait for opposing traffic to clear. The All Manipur Road Transport Driver and Motor Workers’ Union has blamed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited for the current crisis.
General Secretary Maimom Anil Meitei stated: "Inadequate maintenance by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited has contributed significantly to the current crisis." The union also points to reduced security escort operations as a major factor limiting the daily flow of goods. By increasing the frequency of these 150-vehicle convoys, transporters believe the state could effectively clear supply chain bottlenecks. They are now urging both state and national authorities to initiate immediate repairs to prevent a total breakdown of essential supplies.
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