Imphal: The Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service has resumed after a three-year suspension, with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh saying the route’s restoration will improve connectivity and support efforts to restore normalcy in the state.
The service officially restarted on August 21, 2026, and continued smoothly for a second day on August 22. More than 200 passengers travelled from Imphal on Saturday in four buses and six Winger vehicles, according to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
The vehicles left the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Khuman Lampak in Imphal at around 10 am. Meanwhile, the 125 passengers who travelled on the inaugural service on August 21 reached Guwahati safely on the morning of August 22.
Khemchand said the resumption of road transport along NH-2 would provide relief to people facing high airfares between Imphal and Guwahati. He particularly highlighted the benefits for students studying outside Manipur and patients travelling to other cities for medical treatment.
The chief minister said the prolonged crisis that began in May 2023 had severely affected people across Manipur, particularly daily wage workers. He said the restoration of public transport was part of the government’s efforts to facilitate the return of peace and normalcy.
The renewed service is expected to improve movement between Manipur, Nagaland and Assam while reconnecting communities that have faced prolonged disruption in road connectivity.
The reopening of the route follows an announcement made on August 8 by Khemchand, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen at Kangpokpi. They had announced the reopening of the national highways for free movement of all communities along with the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service.