More than 800 goods trucks and fuel tankers are currently stranded between Assam and Manipur due to landslides and a shortage of security escorts along National Highway 37, the state’s primary supply route.
According to sources, around 420 vehicles are waiting at Jiribam in Manipur, while nearly 350 trucks and tankers are held up at Jirighat in Assam. Movement has slowed significantly as only one convoy has been operated in the past two days, capable of escorting around 150 vehicles at a time.
The shortage of security personnel has been cited as a key reason for the delay, with nine CRPF companies currently deployed for convoy duties. Transport operators have urged authorities to increase escort strength and facilitate at least two to three convoys daily to ease the growing backlog and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods.
The situation has been further complicated by multiple landslides along critical stretches of NH-37, particularly between Barak and Sibilong and near the Irang bridge area. Damaged road sections have forced convoys to take longer routes, delaying travel time to Imphal by several days.
At present, the Imphal–Jiribam corridor remains the only operational route for escorted movement of essential supplies, while the Imphal–Dimapur highway continues to remain disrupted following earlier incidents of violence and ambushes.
Earlier this week, a convoy of 174 vehicles, including fuel tankers and goods carriers, successfully reached Imphal under security escort. However, drivers and transporters continue to press for faster clearance, improved road repairs, and enhanced security deployment to restore normal supply chain movement in the region.
