Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Fresh landslides and mudslides have disrupted traffic on National Highway-37, the key road link between Imphal and Silchar, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and further affecting transport connectivity in Manipur.
Vehicular movement along the highway remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Wednesday after landslides struck multiple locations in Noney district following incessant rainfall in Noney, Tamenglong and Jiribam districts.
According to officials, the first landslide occurred at Awangkhul around 2 am on Tuesday, disrupting traffic movement. The situation worsened on Wednesday when a fresh mudslide hit the Barrack area, blocking the route and stranding vehicles on both sides of the highway.
Several goods-laden trucks, oil tankers and other vehicles carrying essential commodities to Imphal under security escort remain stranded along the route. Empty trucks travelling towards Jiribam have also been affected.
Officials said trucks in the Barrack area were being assisted by JCB machines to navigate portions of the affected stretch, while restoration work is underway at multiple locations.
The disruption comes at a time when the parallel Imphal-Dimapur route along National Highway-102 continues to face disruptions due to an indefinite economic blockade imposed by various tribal organisations.
Security personnel and officials of road construction firm ABCI have inspected the affected sites, while excavators and dumper trucks have been deployed to clear debris and restore connectivity.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to reopen the highway and resume normal traffic movement at the earliest.