The crucial 220km Imphal-Jiribam route, which holds significant importance as the state's secondary lifeline, has been cleared for travel once again. This reopening comes after a four-day closure caused by a landslide that occurred at more than six locations spanning between Irang-Awangkhul Part 2 and Irang-Khongsang areas on August 16.
After being closed for nearly four days due to landslides caused by heavy rainfall, the Imphal-Jiribam segment of National Highway 37, which traverses the hilly landscape across Manipur’s four districts, was reopened on Saturday afternoon.
However, as a precautionary measure and to avoid nighttime travel, all goods trucks bound for Imphal from Jiribam were halted at Nungba, while empty trucks destined for Jiribam were stopped at Irang for an overnight halt, according to individuals familiar with the situation.
Nungba, a small hill station situated about 130km west of Imphal, and Irang, located 95km away, were the designated stopping points.
The vehicles detained at Nungba and Irang along NH 37 are anticipated to resume their journeys to their respective destinations with the accompaniment of a security convoy tomorrow, as stated by the aforementioned sources.
The 220km Imphal-Jiribam route, recognized as the state’s secondary vital link, encountered blockage due to landslides at more than six locations between Irang-Awangkhul Part 2 and Irang-Khongsang areas on August 16. Consequently, numerous vehicles found themselves stranded along the state’s supply route.
Approximately 500 cargo vehicles remain stuck in various sections of the highway due to the landslide.
However, on August 17, efforts from district authorities and relevant road construction agencies successfully cleared landslides at two locations.
Although regular vehicular movement along the route was halted from August 16 due to incessant rains in and around the Irang-Khongsang-Awangkhul areas of the Noney district for the past week, vehicles have continued to travel along the old Cachar road, colloquially known as Tongjei-Maril, via Rengpang diversions on NH 37.
On June 29 of the preceding year, Manipur experienced a significant landslide at a railway construction camp in Marangching village part 5 within the Noney district, situated about 75km west of Imphal. This natural disaster resulted in the loss of 79 lives, including civilians, workers, and military personnel.
