National Highway-37, the vital Imphal-Jiribam route regarded as Manipur’s second lifeline, has become increasingly dangerous following continuous monsoon rains, with widespread road damage, recurring landslides and mounting concerns over the quality of construction works.
Several stretches of the highway have deteriorated badly, with mudslides, rockfalls and waterlogging disrupting traffic at multiple locations. Landslides have not only blocked the highway but have also damaged houses situated near vulnerable hill slopes, posing a serious threat to residents and commuters alike.
The deteriorating road condition has led to several accidents in recent days. Trucks and other vehicles have reportedly skidded on slippery stretches or encountered falling rocks and debris. Drivers transporting essential commodities such as food, fuel and medicines said they are forced to undertake dangerous journeys to keep supplies moving into the state.
Speaking to media persons, a truck driver said vehicles often remain stranded for hours at damaged stretches awaiting road clearance. At several locations, only one vehicle can pass at a time, resulting in long traffic queues and increasing the risk of accidents.
Residents living along NH-37 said while landslides are common during the monsoon, the repeated collapse of the same stretches every year raises serious questions about the quality of road construction and maintenance.
SK Namkhuanpou, General Secretary of the National Highway-37 Surveillance Union, appealed to construction agencies to maintain proper quality standards and urged the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and other concerned authorities to thoroughly examine the ongoing works.
Describing NH-37 as Manipur’s second lifeline, Namkhuanpou said immediate repairs, slope protection measures and strict monitoring of construction quality are essential to ensure the safety of commuters and prevent further loss of lives and property during the monsoon season.