Shillong: Public transport services along National Highway 2 remained steady on Wednesday, marking the fifth day since operations restarted on this critical corridor. A fleet of 19 vehicles departed Imphal at 10:10 am, carrying 268 passengers toward Dimapur and Guwahati. The convoy included five buses, five Winger vans, and nine SUVs.
This route has been largely blocked for three years due to state unrest. The Manipur government pushed to restore these services to help travelers move safely. Laishram Bhonilal, joint secretary of the Inter-State Taxi Association, called the move a positive step for all communities who suffered from travel restrictions. Residents previously relied on expensive air travel, which became a financial burden for many families.
Khoirom Binodini, a traveler from Phubala, said, "I heard that the government had taken steps to restore road transportation, so I booked a ticket and came here alone. I am not scared. Seeing many passengers travelling together also makes me feel happy." She traveled to Kohima to see her children, noting that flight costs had become unaffordable.
Thangjam Brajakishor, a passenger from Wangjing, echoed this relief. He explained that a flight to Guwahati cost Rs 8,000, while this bus trip costs only Rs 1,000. He thanked Manipur chief minister Y. Khemchand Singh for the effort and asked the state to open more routes soon.
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