Landslides Cut Off Manipur: Over 80 Vehicles Stranded on Silchar–Imphal Highway
Short Summary of the News
On June 25, 2025, a series of landslides near the Sonapur Tunnel in Assam’s Dima Hasao district completely blocked the Silchar–Imphal National Highway (NH-37). The sudden road blockage, triggered by relentless rainfall, left more than 80 vehicles—mostly trucks and passenger carriers—stranded. This critical route serves as a lifeline between Manipur and Assam, and its closure has sparked concerns over transportation, food supply, and emergency medical needs. Officials are working to clear the debris, but adverse weather is slowing down progress.
Introduction: When the Mountains Speak, Highways Fall Silent
Ever felt like nature hit pause on life?
That’s exactly what happened when the Silchar–Imphal highway got buried under mud and boulders. This isn’t just a blocked road—it’s a wake-up call. A reminder that our mountains have a voice, and when they rumble, entire states can go silent.
Let’s dive into what really happened, how it’s affecting thousands, and what we need to do next.
The Geography: Why This Highway Matters
The Silchar–Imphal route (NH-37) isn’t just any road—it’s Manipur’s spinal cord when it comes to connectivity with the rest of India. Cutting through dense forests, hills, and deep valleys, this highway connects the Northeast with essential supply chains.
From fuel trucks to food shipments to medical transports—everything depends on this route. When it’s cut off, it’s like someone has pulled the plug on Manipur’s lifeline.
What Triggered the Landslides?
Simple answer? Heavy rainfall.
But let’s unpack that. The Northeast has always been prone to landslides, but climate change is turning up the heat—and the rain.
This time, days of non-stop downpour soaked the soil beyond its limit. The hillside gave in, collapsing onto the road like a broken dam of earth and trees. The worst-hit area? Near Sonapur Tunnel in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, just before the highway enters Manipur.
The Human Impact: Stranded and Stressed
Imagine being on a bus or truck when the road disappears. No exit, no signal, just pouring rain and a wall of mud ahead.
That’s reality for over 80 vehicles—drivers, passengers, even families with kids. No proper toilets. No food vendors. No clear answers. That’s more than 200 people stuck in limbo.
Some locals pitched in, offering food and water. But this isn’t sustainable for long.
Emergency Response: What’s Being Done?
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and state PWD have sprung into action. Excavators, bulldozers, and relief teams were deployed—but nature isn’t making it easy.
Here’s what’s happening on the ground:
- Mud removal is ongoing, but rainfall keeps setting them back.
- Traffic control is in place to prevent more vehicles from piling in.
- Medical aid teams are being mobilized, especially for elderly passengers and children.
Still, progress is slow. And every hour lost increases the risk of medical emergencies and supply shortages in Manipur.
Bigger Picture: A Pattern, Not a One-Off
This isn’t the first time.
In fact, landslides have become a yearly headline for the Northeast during monsoon season. From Sikkim to Nagaland, from Mizoram to Manipur—the mountains are crumbling under pressure.
Experts are warning that:
- Construction without planning is weakening the terrain.
- Over-deforestation is robbing hills of their natural support system.
- Unregulated mining and road widening are disturbing mountain stability.
So, this isn’t just rain. It’s poor planning meeting climate change—a disaster cocktail we keep sipping every year.
What Can Be Done to Prevent This?
Let’s talk solutions—because this can’t be a yearly ritual.
- Slope Stabilization Projects – Engineers need to reinforce hill slopes with proper retaining walls and geo-matting.
- Strict Construction Codes – Stop building roads on unstable terrain without proper geological assessments.
- Afforestation Drives – More trees = more natural slope protectors.
- Early Warning Systems – With today’s tech, we should never be caught off guard by a landslide.
Sounds like a lot? Maybe. But it’s way cheaper than rebuilding roads—and lives—every year.
Voices from the Road: What Stranded People Are Saying
We spoke to a few stranded truck drivers (fictional for narrative):
“I’ve been here for 3 days. I’m running out of food and patience.” – Ranjit, truck driver
“No toilet, no proper shelter. We feel forgotten.” – Anita, passenger on a Silchar-bound bus
It’s more than discomfort. It’s a logistical and emotional crisis.
FAQs
1. Where exactly did the landslide occur?
Near the Sonapur Tunnel in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, which lies on the Silchar–Imphal highway.
2. How many vehicles are stranded?
Over 80 vehicles, including passenger buses and trucks, have been stuck due to the landslide.
3. What is the highway’s importance to Manipur?
The Silchar–Imphal road (NH-37) is a vital route for the transport of essential goods, fuel, and medical supplies into Manipur.
4. What are the main causes of frequent landslides in the Northeast?
Heavy rainfall, deforestation, poor construction practices, and lack of slope protection are the main contributors.
5. How can we reduce the impact of future landslides?
By implementing early warning systems, stabilizing slopes, planting trees, and enforcing strict road construction norms.
