Imphal: A voluntary road repair drive has been undertaken along the Wabagai Lamkhai-Sugnu route in Manipur’s Kakching district after severe potholes and road damage made the key stretch difficult for daily commuters.
Sarangthem Nirupama, a native of Kakching Khunou Lamaba Leikai and fourth runner-up of Miss Universe India 2025, initiated the repair work in response to concerns over the condition of the road.
The community-led work began between Wapokpi and Korsantabi, with JCB excavators and Tata tippers deployed for the repairs. Meira Paibis and local residents from Korsantabi also joined the effort and helped with the patchwork.
Nirupama said she was motivated to undertake the initiative after learning through social media about the death of a pregnant woman who had been taken to Sugnu Sub-District Hospital before requiring an emergency transfer to a higher medical facility.
According to Nirupama, the woman died while being transported, with the poor condition of the road causing delays in the journey. She returned from Delhi a day earlier and later visited the bereaved family, where she learned that the deceased had left behind four young children.
Nirupama said the route remains particularly important for emergency medical transportation and is primarily used by ordinary residents.
She said she funded the repair work from her personal savings, along with contributions from family elders. She also thanked local residents for joining the repair effort.