Supply Crisis Deepens as Over 800 Trucks Remain Stranded on Manipur Highway

Imphal: More than 800 goods trucks and fuel tankers are currently stuck along National Highway 37 as a combination of natural disasters and logistical failures cripples Manipur's primary supply chain. Approximately 420 vehicles are waiting for security escorts in Jiribam, while another 350 sit idle in Jirighat, Assam.

The current disruption stems from major damage caused by recent landslides between Barak and Sibilong, as well as near the Irang bridge. With the Imphal-Dimapur highway already closed for weeks due to violent incidents, NH-37 remains the only viable route for essential supplies. However, moving goods has become difficult due to a shortage of security personnel, with only nine CRPF companies currently assigned to escort duties.

Drivers have criticized the pace of transport, noting that authorities have only provided one convoy over the past two days. This limited capacity, which covers roughly 150 vehicles per trip, has forced truckers to wait days for safe passage. Drivers have appealed to officials to boost security manpower and facilitate multiple convoys daily to clear the growing backlog.

While 174 vehicles recently completed the journey to Imphal under escort, the remaining fleet faces mounting uncertainty. According to reports from the field, drivers have urged the state government and security agencies to increase the number of security escorts and expedite repairs on damaged stretches of the highway.