Shortage of security convoys and poor road conditions on NH-37 leave around 1,000 trucks and oil tankers stranded between Jiribam and Jirighat
Imphal: Nearly 1,000 trucks and oil tankers carrying essential commodities to Manipur remained stranded between Jiribam and Jirighat in Assam’s Cachar district on July 26 due to the lack of adequate security convoys, officials said on Monday.
The disruption has triggered a major traffic jam along National Highway-37 (NH-37), affecting the movement of smaller vehicles and raising concerns over the supply of essential goods to the state.
Officials said convoy sizes have been increased from around 100 to nearly 150 vehicles, but the deployment of eight companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) remains insufficient to manage the growing backlog.
Poor road conditions have further worsened the situation. Empty trucks travelling from Imphal to Jiribam now take two to three days to cover the 222-km stretch, while loaded vehicles heading to Imphal require three to five days. Transporters also wait five to ten days for security escorts, with fuel and LPG tankers receiving priority.
Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council president Hijam Ranjit urged authorities to increase security escorts and expedite repairs on the damaged highway to restore the smooth movement of essential supplies.
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