AIZAWL: In a protest against the deplorable state of National Highway NH-306, commercial vehicles, including trucks carrying essential commodities, are set to halt their operations starting tomorrow.
The Joint Action Committee, consisting of several associations, such as the Mizoram Truck Owners’ Association (MTOA), Mizoram Truck Drivers’ Association (MTDA), Mizoram Tipper Owners’ Association & Drivers Association (MTA), Mizoram Oil Tanker Drivers’ Association, and Kolasib District Driver Welfare Association, has unanimously decided to suspend vehicular movement on the highway from 7 am on Monday.
Their decision comes as a protest against the perilous state of the road, which has been a growing concern. The NH-306 serves as a critical link between Mizoram and Assam’s Silchar, and its worsening condition has prompted the joint action.
B Lalzarzova, the President of MTOA, told the press that no commercial vehicles carrying essential goods or passengers would operate between Vairengte and Sairang. Additionally, vehicles responsible for transporting essential commodities between Mizoram and Manipur will also refrain from using the route.
Of late, the NH-306, plagued with numerous potholes, has become a treacherous path for vehicles, posing risks to both drivers and cargo. The decision to launch the protest comes after repeated appeals to the state government went unanswered, according to Lalzarzova.
Earlier on October 7, Chief Minister Zoramthanga had convened a meeting to address the pressing issue. The meeting had involved state Public Works Department (PWD) officials and representatives of the Joint Action Committee. During the meeting, a consensus was reached to take immediate measures to repair the road, as stated in an official release.
In order to facilitate uninterrupted repairs, it was decided to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles on the affected road section.
