Manipur: Landslide disrupts movement of goods trucks on NH-37

IMPHAL — The movement of goods trucks along the Imphal-Jiribam stretch of National Highway-37, one of Manipur's key supply routes, was severely disrupted on Wednesday after a major landslide triggered by heavy rainfall struck Tamenglong district, officials said.

The landslide occurred at Shantikhunou near a CRPF camp between Sibilong and Kaimai villages in the early hours of the day, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Following the incident, the security convoy responsible for escorting goods-laden trucks from Jiribam to Imphal reportedly cancelled its morning movement, leaving several trucks stranded along the route.

Similarly, a number of empty trucks travelling from Imphal towards Jiribam were stranded at various points on NH-37, one of the state's most important supply corridors linking the capital with southern Assam.

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Officials said teams from highway maintenance agencies were immediately deployed to the affected area to undertake restoration work and clear debris.

As the landslide occurred near a waterway, authorities estimated that the restoration of normal traffic movement could take another two to three days. Efforts are currently underway to construct diversion routes and stabilise the affected section of the highway.

Meanwhile, sources said a few light vehicles were able to resume movement along the route on Wednesday afternoon after temporary repairs were carried out to facilitate limited traffic.

NH-37 serves as a critical alternative lifeline for Manipur, particularly during disruptions along National Highway-2, which connects Imphal with Nagaland and the rest of the country.