The All Jiribam Road Transport Drivers’ Union today sounded the alarm over the worsening condition of National Highway 37 (NH-37), alleging that the State’s key supply route has become unsafe, poorly maintained and plagued by illegal collections, severely disrupting the movement of essential commodities.
Addressing the media, Union President Sanasam Pratap Singh described NH-37 as a critical lifeline connecting Jiribam with Imphal and sustaining the flow of essential goods across Manipur. He alleged that the highway was neither constructed nor maintained to the required standards, resulting in extensive deterioration and making travel increasingly hazardous.
Pratap Singh said the situation worsens during the monsoon, with landslides, damaged road stretches and vulnerable culverts frequently obstructing traffic and endangering transport vehicles. He noted that despite a significant increase in the movement of loaded trucks along the route, drivers continue to endure severe hardships due to the poor condition of the highway.
He further alleged that prolonged waiting hours for security convoy escorts often delay the transportation of essential commodities, causing perishable goods to spoil before reaching their destinations.
Expressing dissatisfaction over what he termed the State Government’s failure to address the union’s repeated demands, Pratap Singh urged the authorities to immediately undertake restoration of the highway and improve transport infrastructure.
The union also alleged that transporters are compelled to pay money at several illegal check-gates along NH-37 and appealed to the authorities to eliminate such practices and provide relief to drivers.
Appealing to communities residing along the highway, Pratap Singh urged them to cooperate with transporters, stating that drivers play a crucial role in sustaining the State’s economy and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential goods.
The All Jiribam Road Transport Drivers’ Union called on the Government to urgently repair NH-37, ensure the safety of transporters, curb illegal collections and guarantee the smooth movement of goods along the State’s vital transport corridor.
