TODAY -

Travelling along the infamous NH-2

Ninglun Hanghal *

Pathetic Road condition at portion of National Highway - NH 2 (now also called AH-1) at Senapati, Manipur :: June 21 2017
Pathetic Road condition at portion of National Highway - NH 2 (now also called AH-1) on June 21 2017 :: Pix - Chanchal Guru



One should be mentally and physically prepared before travelling on the infamous NH 2 (now also called AH-1), which connects Manipur's Imphal to Nagaland's Dimapur. There are two major concerns: First is the security and the second, the pathetic condition of the road. As one leaves Imphal, the ride is smooth and pleasant.

Public transport – buses and wingers (capacity of about 15 people) – would stop for a sumptuous Manipuri delicacies along the roadside hotels at Sekmai. One must get used to the strong odour of the "sekmai chamellei" (local brew) while eating in these hotels. But no one seemed to bother; no one complained and no one talked about it.

In fact, there are no shops selling the brew; no one can actually be spotted buying and drinking, but it is there; it is omnipresent! One wonders whether the SC's order on liquor ban on highways covers the local brew. Perhaps the ban is only for liquor shops selling IMFL?

Here, women make sure they use the toilets resulting in long queues. Women know that there is not going be a toilet until the next hotel in the next town. If you must relieve yourself on the way, then you have the open space/the jungle bush. In fact, every woman passenger carries a shawl with her to cover herself.

These roadside hotels have tremendously improved unlike the past decades where one couldn't find any toilets. These hotels along the highway are the only option for toilets. Some local enterprising people such as at Mao gate have also begun a "Pay and Use Toilet", which have been extremely convenient for weary travelers, though not satisfactory. Surprisingly, one doesn't see any "swachh bharat" on this busy, important highway.

The journey is bone-rattling and bumpy. No one seem to be interested in the landscape – the green hills, the Jhum cultivations, traditional homes, women trying to sell their eatables and snacks. Most of the passengers dozed off, some even snoring. Perhaps due to the heavy food or from the kick of the sekmai- chamellei !

Indeed the ride is so bumpy that it is best to sleep off. At several places, the steep sides of the narrow winding highway had collapsed. Fingers cross ! This year alone, 21 people were killed and over 25 people injured in an accident in March in three separate places along the highway between Imphal and Mao/ Senapati. Another site that catch attention along the highway are the charred vehicles, some along with their goods. The effect of economic blockades.

When one crosses Manipur and enters Nagaland, huge construction equipment can be seen on the highway between Kohima and Dimapur. JCBs cutting vast tracks of hills for road expansion. Given the terrain and amount of resources – human , finance , technology required, the current generation is unlikely to experience travelling on these 4-lane highway.

National Highway (NH-39) runs from Dibrugarh in Assam and passes through Mokokchung, Wokha, Kohima, Imphal and Churachandpur before terminating at Tuivang, Mizoram. This NH number was changed to number 2 in 2011, in short NH-2. Reportedly all the National Highways of India were renamed in line with the system followed in the USA. The highway numbering system indicates the direction and location of the highways.

NH 2 now has a parallel name – Asian Highway number 1 (AH -1). A roadside sign AH-1 could be seen at every interval along the highway. This Asian Highway (AH 1) is a part of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway that connects Moreh (Manipur border) to Mae Sot in Thailand, via Mandalay and Yangon in Myanmar.

It further links to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. AH-1 runs from Dhaka (Bangladesh) to Tokyo (Japan) via Indian state of Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore and eventually to Japan.

A cooperative project among countries in Asia and Europe, the Asian Highway (AH) project, also known as Great Asian Highway, was conceptualised way back in early 90s with UN's Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (UNESCAP). An agreement was signed by 32 countries to allow the highway to cross the continent. Some of the countries taking part in the highway project are India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, China, Iran, Japan, South Korea and Bangladesh.

It takes eight hours to commute by public transport on this 213-kilometre-long Imphal-Kohima- Dimapur highway. Even more hours in rainy season. Besides the winding, pathetic road with potholes, there are about 10 short halts for paying 'toll-tax' or police check post. The stops last almost 5 minutes and can even extend to 10 minutes if there are need for 'discussion' or arguments between the driver and the police or the 'collector'.

In most 'collection' points one cannot make out what are these taxes as there is no sign board and the driver who makes the payment does not know much. And these payments (most of them) are without receipt. Besides there are fines too, for non-compliance of traffic rules to non-availability of vehicle documents or driver licence.

In some places the driver would throw a few rupees so as to save time. The collector would pick up the notes from the road. The driver is mostly tense; he would curse; he wished that the "collector" does not turn up. The driver is happy if it rains (so that at least some collectors cannot come out).

Drivers also dread the dark, as there is possibility of more tax collectors. On a one-way journey from Imphal to Dimapur, a driver spends a minimum of Rs1000 in taxes. There is no exact amount as it depends on how many "collections" or check post he can avoid.

Imphal-Kohima-Dimapur route has been an important means of communication from pre-Independence era. It played an important role in the historic battle of Kohima and the Battle of Imphal during WWII. The highway became an important route even during post- Independence.

NH-2 / AH-1, an important highway and lifeline for north-east India, particularly for Manipur.. The entire economy and economic activity of Manipur depends on this highway. Much as it is 'important' the highway bears the brunt of the socio-politics of Manipur or the north-east at large.

NH 2 is the most abused , used and misused socially, economically and politically with groups, underground – overground, political heavy weights including civil /traditional bodies vying to control this important and infamous national highway.


* Ninglun Hanghal wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was posted on July 04, 2017.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025