IMPHAL | The All Manipur Road Transport and Motor Workers Union has threatened to launch an indefinite strike from July 1 if authorities fail to restore and repair National Highway-37, the state’s only operational supply route, by the end of this month.

The warning comes as more than 1,000 goods-laden trucks and fuel carriers remain stranded along various stretches of NH-37, extending from Assam into Manipur’s Jiribam district, following heavy rains and landslides that have severely disrupted transportation.

With National Highway-2, which connects Imphal with Dimapur in Nagaland, remaining closed since mid-May, NH-37 has emerged as Manipur’s primary lifeline for the movement of essential commodities, fuel and other supplies from Assam.

However, persistent rainfall and repeated landslides have triggered large-scale mudslides and road damage along the highway, leaving hundreds of vehicles, including LPG tankers and fuel trucks, unable to reach the state capital.

The Drivers’ Union has held both the Manipur government and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) responsible for the deteriorating condition of the highway, alleging that the road infrastructure has seen little meaningful improvement over the decades.

Union General Secretary Maimom Anil Meitei said the current arrangement of security-escorted convoys is insufficient to meet the state’s transportation requirements. According to the union, only around 150 vehicles are being allowed to move daily under security cover, resulting in supply bottlenecks and rising prices of essential commodities across the state.

The union has demanded the formation of a dedicated monitoring committee to oversee road maintenance and restoration work being undertaken by NHIDCL and ensure accountability in the execution of repair projects.

It warned that if visible progress is not achieved by June 30, drivers across the state-including those operating vehicles under security escort-will cease operations indefinitely from July 1.

The proposed strike is expected to further disrupt the supply of food, fuel and other essential goods to Manipur, which has already been grappling with logistical challenges due to highway blockages and adverse weather conditions.

Union leaders said the agitation is aimed at compelling authorities to take immediate and effective measures to restore normal transportation, ease supply shortages and prevent further escalation of prices in the state.

The development has raised concerns over the availability of essential commodities in Manipur, with traders and consumers closely monitoring the government’s response to the transport workers’ demands.