Manipur Drivers’ Union Warns of Indefinite Strike from July 1 Over NH-37 Road Conditions
Imphal, June 27: The All Manipur Road Transport and Motor Workers Union has issued an ultimatum to the authorities, warning that drivers across the state will launch an indefinite strike from July 1 if urgent repairs on National Highway-37 (NH-37) are not completed by June 30.
The announcement comes as more than 1,000 goods trucks and fuel tankers remain stranded along NH-37, stretching from Assam into Manipur’s Jiribam district, severely disrupting the movement of essential commodities into the state.
Since the closure of National Highway-2 (NH-2), which connects Imphal with Dimapur in Nagaland, in mid-May, NH-37 has become Manipur’s primary supply route. However, continuous rainfall and multiple landslides have left large sections of the highway covered with mud and debris, making transportation increasingly difficult.
The prolonged disruption has affected the movement of LPG cylinders, fuel tankers, food supplies, and other essential goods, raising concerns over shortages and rising prices across the state.
The Drivers’ Union has held both the Manipur Government and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) responsible for the poor condition of the highway. The union alleged that despite repeated assurances, the road infrastructure has witnessed little improvement over several decades.
Speaking to the media, Union General Secretary Maimom Anil Meitei said the present system of security-escorted convoys, which allows only around 150 vehicles to travel each day, is insufficient to meet the state’s daily supply requirements.
According to the union, the limited movement of vehicles has contributed to delays in the transportation of essential commodities, increasing transportation costs and pushing up market prices.
The organisation has also demanded the formation of a dedicated monitoring committee to supervise road maintenance work being carried out by NHIDCL and ensure timely completion of repairs.
The union warned that if meaningful action is not taken before the June 30 deadline, all drivers—including those operating vehicles under security escort—will suspend operations indefinitely from July 1.
Union leaders stated that the proposed strike aims to compel authorities to address the deteriorating condition of NH-37, restore smooth transportation, and prevent further disruption to the state’s supply chain.
With NH-37 currently serving as Manipur’s only operational lifeline for the movement of essential goods, any prolonged strike could significantly impact the availability of fuel, LPG, food supplies, and other daily necessities across the state.
