The Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council (TDC) has urged the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to order an immediate high-level inquiry into the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)’s handling of the National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam) project.
In a memorandum submitted to the Ministry Secretary and copied to the Chief Vigilance Officer, the TDC alleged substandard construction, prolonged delays, inadequate oversight, and possible misuse of public funds in the project. The council described NH-37 as Manipur’s “second lifeline” and sought urgent action to address the issues.
The TDC said several stretches of the Imphal-Jiribam highway have become “virtually unmotorable,” especially during the monsoon. According to the memorandum, the poor condition of the road has led to frequent vehicle breakdowns, longer travel time, accidents, financial losses for transporters, and incidents of looting by miscreants. The council also said landslides have stranded loaded and unloaded vehicles in vulnerable areas amid continuing law-and-order challenges. It alleged that despite years of work and substantial public spending, visible progress on the project remains minimal.
One of the main concerns raised by the transporters is NHIDCL’s alleged practice of subcontracting major parts of the project to multiple agencies without proper supervision. The TDC claimed this fragmented approach has resulted in poor workmanship and reduced accountability.
The council has demanded a time-bound investigation by an independent committee. It has also called for technical and financial audits, public disclosure of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), details of fund releases, and physical progress reports. In addition, the transporters have sought immediate repairs on the worst-affected stretches on a “war footing,” strict quality monitoring, and action against any officials or contractors found guilty of misappropriation or negligence. The TDC warned that failure to act could lead to democratic protests.
NH-37, historically known as parts of NH-53, is a key road connecting Imphal with Jiribam near the Assam border. NHIDCL has been overseeing the widening of the highway to two lanes with paved shoulders through multiple packages (PKG-1 to PKG-7), covering sections from around Km 3 to Km 205+. Most of these packages continue to be listed as “ongoing” on the official NHIDCL website, with different levels of completion and revised timelines extending into 2026.
The project has faced several challenges. Construction in Manipur’s hill districts is regularly affected by landslides, particularly during the monsoon. The ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023 has further disrupted work on NH-37 and the Imphal-Dimapur NH-2. Blockades, protests, attacks on workers, and security concerns have repeatedly interrupted construction and supply chains.
The TDC had earlier issued an ultimatum in late June 2026, warning that transport operations would be stopped if repairs were not carried out. In June 2026, landslides reportedly stranded more than 200 vehicles, while complaints of illegal collections and poor road maintenance have continued. Earlier, organisations such as the All Manipur Road Transport and Motor Workers Union had also highlighted the importance of NH-37 as a key supply route for essential commodities, fuel, and LPG whenever other routes are disrupted.
The continuing ethnic conflict in Manipur has made the situation more difficult. Highways have become centres of political protest, with blockades affecting transport, causing shortages, increasing prices, and disrupting economic activity. The conflict has also deepened the hills-valley divide, making movement difficult and creating additional challenges for contractors and officials. Law-and-order problems, including extortion and ambushes, have further affected progress and increased risks for transporters.
The current Chief Minister, Y. Khemchand Singh, has held discussions with transporters and NHIDCL officials. However, the TDC’s decision to approach the Centre directly reflects its dissatisfaction with the pace of action at the state level. The memorandum was submitted shortly after the transporters met the Chief Minister, but the council said visible improvements have yet to be seen.
On the same day, Chief Minister Singh chaired the 34th Kangla Board meeting and reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving Manipur’s cultural heritage at the historic Kangla Fort. The development highlighted the government’s focus on promoting culture and tourism even as concerns over road infrastructure continue.
The TDC said the issues raised in its memorandum highlight concerns over project execution, value for money, and governance. It believes an independent inquiry could identify technical, administrative, or security-related problems, improve accountability, and help speed up the project.