Over 800 Trucks and Fuel Tankers Stranded at Assam-Manipur Border Due to Landslides and Escort Shortage

Imphal, June 19: More than 800 goods-laden trucks and fuel tankers remain stranded in Manipur and neighbouring Assam due to landslides and a shortage of security escorts along National Highway-37, one of the state’s most crucial lifelines for the transportation of essential commodities.

Sources said approximately 420 trucks and fuel tankers are currently waiting at Jiribam in Manipur for security clearance and convoy escorts, while another 350 vehicles are stranded at Jirighat in Assam, resulting in a growing backlog of supply vehicles.

Although authorities had earlier increased the number of security convoys to ease congestion and facilitate the movement of essential goods, only one convoy has reportedly been deployed during the past two days. With each convoy capable of escorting around 150 vehicles, the pace of transportation has slowed significantly.

Truck drivers and transport operators attributed the delays to the limited availability of security personnel assigned for escort duties. Reports indicate that nine companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are currently engaged in convoy protection along the route.

Drivers have appealed to the government and security agencies to strengthen escort arrangements and increase the number of daily convoys to at least two or three, which they believe would help clear the growing queue of stranded vehicles.

The situation has been further aggravated by landslides that have damaged several stretches of NH-37, particularly between the Barak and Sibilong sections and near the Irang Bridge area. As a result, travel times have increased considerably, with some vehicles taking several days to complete the journey to Imphal.

At present, the Imphal–Jiribam route remains the primary corridor available for vehicles travelling under security escort. Meanwhile, the Imphal–Dimapur highway continues to face disruptions following incidents of violence and security-related concerns reported in recent weeks.

Transporters have urged authorities to expedite repair works on damaged portions of the highway while simultaneously increasing security deployment to ensure uninterrupted movement of essential supplies into the state.

Earlier this week, a convoy comprising 174 vehicles successfully travelled from Jiribam to Imphal under security protection. The convoy included petrol and diesel tankers, LPG carriers, aviation turbine fuel tankers, SK Oil transport vehicles, and more than 100 goods carriers transporting essential commodities.

The prolonged disruption has raised concerns about the timely supply of fuel, food items, and other necessities into Manipur, highlighting the importance of restoring smooth transportation along the state’s key highway network.