Manipur Faces Supply Concerns as Highway Disruptions Leave Nearly 500 Trucks Stranded
Imphal, July 6: Manipur is facing renewed concerns over the supply of essential commodities after disruptions on its two major national highways left hundreds of goods vehicles stranded, raising fears of a potential logistics crisis across the state.
Around 500 goods-laden vehicles are reportedly stuck along National Highway-37, the vital route connecting Imphal with Silchar, while several truck drivers remain stranded on National Highway-2 due to ongoing blockades and delayed road restoration work.
According to transporters, the situation on NH-37 deteriorated after the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) allegedly suspended repair work on the Noney–Nungba stretch soon after restoration efforts had commenced.
Transporters and Drivers’ Council (TDC) president Hijam Ranjit claimed that the move was contrary to earlier assurances given before Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand that the damaged highway would be restored without delay.
The latest setback follows a landslide at Oinamlong, where only a single lane has been reopened for traffic. Transport operators said accumulated debris and blocked drainage systems continue to hamper smooth movement, preventing two-way traffic and slowing the transportation of essential commodities.
Congestion has further intensified due to the absence of the regular Monday security convoy for empty trucks travelling towards Jiribam. However, authorities are expected to escort nearly 450 loaded trucks and fuel tankers from Jiribam to Imphal through multiple security convoys.
Transport bodies have warned that if repair work is not resumed immediately, the forecast of continued rainfall could further damage the highway and result in a complete suspension of vehicular movement.
Meanwhile, National Highway-2, which connects Imphal with Dimapur, continues to remain affected by multiple protest blockades. Several truck drivers from outside the state are reportedly stranded without a safe route to proceed.
The drivers are caught between the Namduilong–Kanglatongbi stretch, where a Naga economic blockade has been continuing for more than 60 days, and the Gamgiphai buffer zone, where a Kuki organisation is enforcing a 24-hour blockade demanding the reopening of the highway.
With freight movement severely disrupted on both major highways leading into Manipur, transporters have warned of possible shortages of essential commodities if the situation persists. They have urged the state government to expedite road restoration, clear the blockades, and ensure secure passage for commercial vehicles to prevent a supply crisis.
