Drivers’ union warns the Imphal-Silchar highway has become unsafe due to poor maintenance, landslides and unauthorised check-gates, disrupting the supply of essential commodities
Imphal: The deteriorating condition of National Highway 37, the crucial Imphal-Silchar corridor, has sparked fresh concerns in Manipur, with transporters urging the government to undertake immediate repairs and strengthen security along the route.
Describing the highway as one of the State’s economic lifelines, the All Jiribam Road Transport Drivers’ Union said poor road conditions, recurring monsoon-induced landslides, inadequate maintenance and illegal collections have made travel increasingly unsafe while disrupting the movement of essential commodities.
Addressing the media, Union President Sanasam Pratap Singh called on the government to restore damaged stretches of NH-37, remove unauthorised check-gates and ensure uninterrupted transportation of goods. He alleged that truck drivers are routinely forced to pay at several illegal collection points, adding to operational costs, and urged authorities to take strict action against those involved.
Singh appealed to communities residing along the highway to cooperate with transporters, stating that the smooth movement of trucks is essential for maintaining the supply of food, fuel and other necessities across Manipur.
The Union President further said the condition of NH-37 worsens significantly during the monsoon, with landslides, damaged culverts and road collapses frequently disrupting traffic and posing serious risks to commuters and cargo vehicles.
The union also expressed concern over prolonged delays in security escorts, saying transporters often incur heavy losses as perishable goods spoil before reaching their destinations. Calling the government’s response inadequate, the union urged immediate infrastructure upgrades and regular maintenance to restore NH-37 as a safe and reliable transport corridor.
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