'Pathetic highway not a problem for drivers only'
Drivers share ordeals they face on NH-37
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 07 2026: Unless the Imphal-Jiribam road is repaired and reconstructed to meet the standard of a proper highway, Manipur will continue to face transport difficulties and shortage of essential supplies, said drivers.

The Imphal-Jiribam road (NH-37) remains the only route open to transport while the Imphal-Dimapur highway has been shut since May 2023 .

While vehicles are moving in batches under security escort, the condition of the NH-37 has deteriorated drastically during the monsoon season hindering normal movement.

A round trip from Imphal to Guwahati and back to Imphal transporting LPG at present takes around 15 to 20 days, said a driver.

'Pathetic highway not a problem for drivers only'

Under normal circumstances, a round trip takes only a couple of days, and a driver would get paid Rs 4,000 .

Now, a driver is spending around 15-20 days on the road, and is getting paid the same amount of Rs 4,000, the driver added.

The drivers and handymen truly are not earning enough to run their families, but they are continuing to ferry goods in the service of the people even though they hardly get recognised for their service, he said.

Sharing ordeals drivers face on the road, he said the deteriorating conditions of the highway has made transportation extremely difficult.

Many sections of the highway are broken, filled with large potholes, and knee deep sludge.

Vehicles get stuck all the time and heavy machinery like excavators are used to push vehicles.

Bad road conditions and lack of adequate security escort are factors affecting transport, the driver said.

The journey is highly unpredictable.

Bad weather conditions, landslides and law and order situation may at any time disrupt movement of vehicles, he added.

Getting stranded on the road can become extremely difficult for drivers and handymen.

They may run out of food supply, especially water, and help may take days to arrive, said the driver.

While such conditions get highlighted frequently year after year in newspapers, the authorities have largely ignore it as a problem facing drivers only when in fact the whole of the State is getting affected, he said.

Despite repeated appeals, the condition of the Imphal-Jiribam road has not improved much, he added.

Unless the road is repaired and reconstructed to meet the required standard of a highway, Manipur will continue to face shortage of essential goods and fuel, he said.

A State's development largely depends on good connectivity, which eases transport.

When transport is restricted, everything slows down and stops.

The Government must take up necessary steps to improve NH-37 and overall land connectivity, the driver said.

There is also the problem of vehicles being extorted on the highway by armed men.

While curbing extortion must also be a priority, the State Government should lay special emphasis on improving the road condition, he added.