IMPHAL | Nearly 300 loaded vehicles carrying fuel and essential commodities to Manipur remained stranded on the severely damaged National Highway-37 in Noney district on Friday, prompting transporters to threaten legal action against the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

The affected vehicles, travelling under security escort from Jiribam to Imphal, were unable to proceed due to worsening road conditions, deep mud and damaged stretches along the crucial highway linking Manipur with Assam’s Silchar.

According to officials, the stranded convoy comprises 109 fuel tankers and 191 goods-laden trucks. The vehicles are currently stuck at various locations in Noney district where recent rains and poor road conditions have rendered several sections of the highway nearly impassable.

NH-37 has emerged as one of Manipur’s most important supply routes since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023, with the highway serving as a key corridor for transporting fuel, food and other essential commodities into the state.

While the latest convoy remains stranded, authorities said 150 loaded vehicles from Jiribam and another 225 trucks that had been delayed earlier successfully reached Imphal on July 9.

Officials also confirmed that, owing to a shortage of security personnel, no empty trucks or fuel tankers will be allowed to travel from Imphal to Jiribam for the time being. However, two additional security convoys carrying loaded vehicles are scheduled to depart from Jiribam on Saturday.

The worsening condition of NH-37 has drawn sharp criticism from the Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council (TDC), which has accused NHIDCL of failing to deliver a road project for which substantial funds have already been released.

In 2022, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways sanctioned Rs 1,300 crore for the widening and upgradation of a 203-km stretch of NH-37 into an all-weather highway.

TDC president Hijam Ranjit claimed that nearly Rs 1,040 crore-around 80 per cent of the sanctioned amount-has already been spent, yet large portions of the road remain in poor condition.

According to transporters, several stretches, particularly around Kaiphundai, Shantikhunou, Barak, Nungba, Rengpang and Irang, continue to be plagued by knee-deep mud and damaged road surfaces, making transportation extremely difficult.

The TDC has warned that it is preparing to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against NHIDCL, alleging negligence and poor execution of the project.

The organisation has also challenged NHIDCL’s assertion that increased traffic following the Manipur conflict is primarily responsible for the road’s deterioration.

Transporters argue that daily traffic volumes on the highway rarely exceed 700 vehicles, a figure they say is routinely handled by highways in neighbouring states such as Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura without similar levels of deterioration.

The deteriorating condition of the highway has significantly increased travel times. A journey that previously took four to five hours now often requires several days, particularly during the monsoon season.

Transporters have also expressed doubts over NHIDCL’s target of completing the project by December 2026, saying visible progress on the ground remains inadequate.

The TDC has demanded immediate repairs in accordance with standard engineering specifications and warned that legal proceedings would be initiated if corrective measures are not undertaken urgently.

Meanwhile, security agencies continue to maintain strict surveillance along the highway and other vulnerable areas across the state.

Police said search operations and area domination exercises are being conducted regularly in sensitive hill and valley districts. Security personnel have also ensured the movement of 675 vehicles carrying essential commodities along NH-37 in recent days.

To safeguard transportation, security convoys are being provided along vulnerable stretches, while 114 checkpoints and nakas have been established across Manipur to monitor movement and maintain law and order.

As the monsoon intensifies and the state continues to rely heavily on NH-37 for supplies, concerns are growing over the condition of the highway and its impact on the movement of essential goods into Manipur.