IMPHAL, June 24: The Manipur Drivers’ Association (MDA) has issued a strong appeal for urgent government intervention to expedite repair work on the damaged section of National Highway-2 at Phesama in Nagaland, which has remained non-operational since June 1 due to a major landslide.
Triggered by relentless monsoon rains, the landslide wiped out nearly 50 meters of the crucial highway, severely impacting the supply chain between Manipur and Nagaland. Although a temporary bypass route has been created, it can accommodate only small and light vehicles, creating severe challenges for transporting essential goods into Imphal.
Addressing a press conference in Imphal, MDA General Secretary Ksh Sanjay emphasized the need for immediate coordination between the governments of Manipur and Nagaland to accelerate the restoration efforts. “The progress on the damaged section is slow, and with heavy rainfall continuing, it is unlikely that repairs will be completed before the monsoon ends,” he stated.
Sanjay further raised alarm over the deteriorating condition of the diversion route due to excessive usage and overloading. Despite existing restrictions on vehicles carrying loads above 12 tons, many transporters continue to violate the rules, placing the fragile bypass at risk of collapse.
“If the bypass also collapses, the supply chain of essential commodities to Manipur will face a critical breakdown,” he warned, urging enforcement agencies to strictly regulate vehicle weights.
The current bypass was made operational through collaborative efforts by transport unions from both Manipur and Nagaland. These include the Senapati Truck Owners’ Association, Senapati District Truck Drivers’ Union, and the Manipur Gorkha Motor Workers’ Welfare Union. These organizations have been appealing to drivers to comply with load limits in order to preserve the temporary route’s integrity.
The MDA also expressed disappointment at the apparent inaction by the Manipur government. Despite the prolonged disruption to a key transport artery, the association noted that neither the Governor nor the Chief Secretary had publicly addressed the situation or taken corrective steps.
The association urged the authorities to treat the matter with urgency to prevent further logistical and economic challenges in the region.
