Imphal: The Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council (TDC) has urged state and central authorities to urgently repair and upgrade Manipur’s Imphal-Jiribam road (NH-37) to proper national highway standards.
TDC President Hijam Ranjit warned that prolonged delays could keep transport services disrupted, fuelling inflation and causing severe shortages of essential goods across Manipur. NH-37, which connects Imphal to Silchar via Jiribam, remains Manipur’s only operational land route for fuel and supplies after the Imphal-Dimapur highway was closed in early May due to civil blockades.
Ranjit warned that continued monsoon damage, landslides and slow repairs by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) could further disrupt essential supplies and drive up prices across Manipur.
Criticising the state government and NHIDCL for failing to carry out repairs on a war footing, the TDC said NH-37 remains Manipur’s only viable land route for fuel and commodity transport following the closure of the Imphal-Dimapur highway in early May.
Heavy rains have triggered severe landslides and damaged road structures, turning trips that normally take hours into journeys lasting several days. The TDC said continued supply bottlenecks could lead to shortages and higher prices for essential goods.
Ranjit praised Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah for urging Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to expedite the NH-102A and NH-202 projects.
The TDC urged all MLAs and ministers in Manipur to follow suit and approach the Centre for urgent action to restore NH-37 for the benefit of the people.
Lawmakers and ministers across Manipur have also been urged to approach the Centre to overhaul NH-37 for the wider public interest.