Heavy rain-triggered mudslides in Noney district have disrupted the Imphal-Silchar lifeline for a second day, compounding Manipur’s transport challenges
Imphal: Fresh landslides and mudslides have once again brought traffic to a standstill on National Highway-37, the primary road link connecting Imphal and Silchar, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and disrupting the movement of essential supplies into Manipur.
Vehicular traffic remained suspended for a second straight day on Wednesday after incessant rainfall triggered landslides at multiple locations in Noney district, with adjoining Tamenglong and Jiribam also witnessing heavy showers.
Officials said the first major landslide struck Awangkhul around 2 am on Tuesday, blocking traffic. The situation deteriorated further on Wednesday after a fresh mudslide hit the Barrack area, cutting off the highway on both sides.
Several trucks carrying essential commodities, oil tankers and other supply vehicles headed to Imphal under security escort remain stranded along the route. Empty trucks travelling towards Jiribam have also been unable to proceed.
Authorities have deployed JCB machines, excavators and dumper trucks to clear debris and restore connectivity. Officials said some trucks in the Barrack area were being assisted through partially cleared stretches.
The disruption has intensified concerns over supply chains as the Imphal-Dimapur route along NH-102 continues to face restrictions due to an indefinite economic blockade imposed by various tribal organisations.
Security personnel and officials of road construction company ABCI have inspected the affected sites, while restoration efforts continue to reopen the highway at the earliest.
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