Damaged stretches, landslides and knee-deep slush along the Imphal-Silchar highway are slowing freight movement, prompting transporters to seek urgent repairs and enhanced convoy operations
Imphal: As heavy monsoon rains continue across the Northeast, National Highway 37, a critical corridor connecting Imphal with Silchar in Assam, has emerged as a major concern for Manipur’s supply chain. The deteriorating condition of the highway has slowed the movement of essential commodities and heightened fears of shortages across the state.
The situation has become more challenging as recurring disruptions on NH-2 have pushed a larger volume of traffic onto NH-37. However, transporters say the route is struggling under the increased burden.
Several stretches of the highway, particularly around Irang Bridge, Rengpang-Nungba, Sibilong-Barak and Kaiphundai, have been hit by landslides, deep potholes, damaged surfaces and waterlogging. Drivers report that journeys that once took six to eight hours are now stretching to nearly two days.
In many sections, only one lane remains navigable, creating long queues and delays. During intense rainfall, trucks frequently become stranded in mud, often requiring heavy machinery for recovery.
The All Manipur Road Transport Driver and Motor Workers’ Union has blamed inadequate maintenance and reduced convoy operations for worsening the crisis. “Increasing the number of security-escorted convoys can significantly improve the movement of goods,” the union said.
Transporters have urged authorities to expedite repairs and strengthen convoy arrangements, warning that prolonged disruptions could affect the supply of fuel, LPG and other essential commodities in the coming weeks.
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