NH-37 in Manipur: A Critical Lifeline Under Siege How Poor Infrastructure Threatens Food Security and Economic Stability
The National Highway 37 (NH-37) in Manipur is more than just a road it is the lifeline connecting Jiribam to Imphal, sustaining the flow of essential goods across the state. Yet, for the All Jiribam Road Transport Drivers Union, the highway has become a symbol of neglect, with landslides, illegal check-gates, and poor maintenance turning what should be a reliable transport corridor into a hazardous and costly obstacle. The situation is particularly acute during the monsoon, when landslides and damaged infrastructure disrupt the movement of goods, forcing transporters to endure delays, delays that can lead to perishable commodities spoiling before reaching their destinations. For North East India, where agriculture and trade are closely tied to seasonal weather patterns, the impact of NH-37 s deteriorating condition is far-reaching threatening food security, economic stability, and the livelihoods of thousands.
1. The Monsoon s Toll: Landslides and the Hidden Costs of Poor Maintenance
The All Jiribam Road Transport Drivers Union has repeatedly highlighted that NH-37 s condition worsens during the monsoon, with landslides and damaged stretches causing frequent disruptions. According to union president Sanasam Pratap Singh, the highway s deterioration stems from inadequate construction and maintenance standards, leaving it vulnerable to erosion and collapse. A 2023 report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways noted that Manipur s highways, including NH-37, often suffer from poor drainage and unstable subsoil, particularly in the Jiribam-Imphal corridor. During the 2025 monsoon season, at least 12 major landslides were recorded along NH-37, forcing the closure of multiple stretches for up to 48 hours. These incidents led to an average delay of 12 hours per truck, costing transporters an estimated 15,000 20,000 per vehicle equivalent to a day s wages for many drivers. For families relying on this route for essential supplies, such delays can mean the difference between fresh produce reaching markets and rotting in storage.
The economic impact extends beyond individual transporters. In Manipur, where agriculture accounts for over 30 percent of the state s GDP, the transport of rice, vegetables, and other perishable goods is critical. A study by the Manipur State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) found that 40 percent of agricultural produce transported via NH-37 spoils due to delays, leading to annual losses of 120 million. The union s demands for immediate repairs are not just about safety they are about preserving the economic backbone of rural communities. For North East India, where road networks are often underfunded and prone to natural disasters, such infrastructure failures can have cascading effects on food prices and rural livelihoods.
2. Illegal Check-Gates: A Hidden Tax on Essential Goods
Beyond physical disruptions, the All Jiribam Road Transport Drivers Union has exposed another critical issue: illegal check-gates along NH-37, where transporters are forced to pay bribes to proceed. Pratap Singh stated that these check-gates, often operated by local authorities or private entities, extract between 500 and 2,000 per truck, with some drivers reporting instances of extortion exceeding 5,000. This practice not only adds to the financial burden of transporters but also undermines the state s efforts to regulate road transport. According to a 2024 survey by the Manipur State Road Transport Authority, 67 percent of transporters in the Jiribam-Imphal corridor reported encountering illegal check-gates, with 32 percent citing frequent harassment and arbitrary detentions. The union s appeal for the elimination of these check-gates is a call for transparency and accountability in the transport sector.
The broader impact of illegal check-gates is particularly concerning in North East India, where road transport is a vital link for inter-district trade. For example, in Nagaland s border regions, where NH-37 intersects with state highways, transporters report that illegal check-gates often delay the movement of essential goods like tea, spices, and timber, leading to shortages in urban markets. The region s reliance on road transport for agricultural exports means that such practices can disrupt supply chains, leading to higher prices for consumers. Addressing this issue is not just about fairness it is about ensuring that essential goods reach markets efficiently and affordably.
3. The Human Cost: Safety Risks and the Burden on Drivers
The safety risks posed by NH-37 s deteriorating condition are a direct consequence of poor maintenance. Pratap Singh emphasized that the highway s vulnerability to landslides and structural failures endangers not just goods but also the lives of drivers and their families. In the past five years, at least 18 transport accidents have been recorded along NH-37, with 12 involving heavy goods vehicles. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) data shows that Manipur s highways have a higher accident rate than the national average, partly due to poor road quality and lack of proper signage. For drivers, who often operate long hours to meet delivery deadlines, the risks are compounded by the lack of a reliable convoy escort system. Despite repeated demands, the state government has not fully implemented the mandatory convoy escort protocol, leaving drivers exposed to unpredictable delays and hazards.
The human cost extends to the communities living along the highway. Residents in Jiribam and surrounding villages report that the frequent closures and disruptions have led to economic stagnation, as local businesses rely on the smooth movement of goods to supply markets. The union s call for immediate repairs is thus a plea for safety, for the protection of lives, and for the preservation of the economic vitality of rural areas. In North East India, where road networks are often the only connection between remote villages and urban centers, the safety of these corridors is paramount. Ensuring that NH-37 and similar highways are maintained to national standards is not just a matter of infrastructure it is a matter of public safety and economic resilience.
4. The Road Ahead: What Can Be Done?
The All Jiribam Road Transport Drivers Union s demands urgent repairs to NH-37, the elimination of illegal check-gates, and improved safety measures are not just requests for change; they are essential steps toward restoring the highway s functionality. For the state government, the solution lies in a multi-pronged approach: increased funding for maintenance, stricter enforcement of road safety regulations, and the establishment of transparent check-gate systems. The Manipur State Road Transport Corporation has already allocated 25 million for road repairs in the fiscal year 2026, but critics argue that this amount is insufficient given the scale of the problem. If the state is serious about addressing these issues, it must allocate additional resources and prioritize the restoration of critical stretches like NH-37.
For North East India, where infrastructure development is often a challenge, the lessons from NH-37 s deterioration are clear: proactive maintenance and transparent governance are key to preventing similar crises. The region s reliance on road transport for trade, agriculture, and daily commutes means that every mile of well-maintained highway contributes to economic growth. By addressing the issues along NH-37, the state can set a precedent for other highways in the region, ensuring that essential goods move freely and safely. The union s call for action is not just about the highway it is about the future of Manipur s economy, its people, and its communities.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action
The condition of NH-37 in Manipur is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing road infrastructure in North East India. Landslides, illegal check-gates, and poor maintenance are not isolated incidents they are symptoms of a system that needs urgent reform. For the state government, the time to act is now. By investing in maintenance, enforcing transparency, and prioritizing the safety of transporters, Manipur can restore its critical lifeline and ensure that essential goods reach their destinations without delay. The future of the region s economy depends on it. As the union s president has stated, "Drivers play a crucial role in sustaining the State s economy." In a world where food security and economic stability are at stake, the road must be made safe, reliable, and free from extortion. The choice is clear: act now, or risk losing what keeps the state moving forward.