Aizawl: The Mizoram Truck Owners’ Association (MTOA) and the Truck Drivers Association suspended operations along the Aizawl-Silchar National Highway (NH-306/06) on Thursday in protest against the deteriorating condition of the road, which serves as a crucial link between Mizoram and Assam.
According to MTOA General Secretary Dina Tlau, trucks transporting essential goods and construction materials stopped operating at 7 am on Thursday, demanding immediate repairs to the highway.
However, oil tankers and trucks carrying cooking gas continued their operations, officials confirmed.
Tlau highlighted that the Aizawl-Silchar road, particularly the Kawnpui-Khamrang/Sairang section, was severely damaged during the monsoon last year, and no substantial repairs have been carried out since.
The poor state of the highway has deterred truck owners and drivers from using it, particularly those bringing in essential supplies from outside the state.
Despite assurances from the state government and other authorities that repairs would be made during the winter, no action has been taken, Tlau alleged.
The ongoing strike has received support from the Mizoram Trippers’ Association, Kolasib District Trippers’ Association, and truck owners and drivers in Kolasib and Kawnpui towns, further intensifying the protest.
In response, the Mizoram Public Works Department (PWD) announced that repair work on NH-306/06, specifically the Sairang-Vairengte stretch, is underway, starting from January 20.
The department has deployed around 20 labourers, along with earth excavators, vibratory rollers, and tripper trucks to expedite the repairs.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had previously notified that the NH between Sairang and Vairengte would be handed over to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
However, two sections of the highway — from Bilkhawthlir to Kolasib and Kawnpui to Khamrang — are still managed by the state PWD.
The PWD noted that while repairs were completed for the Bilkhawthlir to Kolasib section and the Kawnpui to Khamrang stretch, delays occurred due to issues with the contractor, who was eventually terminated.
In response, the state government allocated Rs 75 lakh for fixing potholes along the Kawnpui-Khamrang sector last year.
However, as MoRTH could no longer provide maintenance funds, the state PWD sought additional resources to continue the repairs.
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The PWD further expressed frustration that NHIDCL had failed to take over these sections by the agreed-upon deadlines, which contributed to the current situation.
Meanwhile, the Director of Mizoram’s Civil Supply Department, Saizikpuii, reassured the public that sufficient rice stocks are available for January, and ration distribution is ongoing.
Food grains for February and monsoon supplies are currently being transported.
She expressed hope that the ongoing strike would soon be called off as repair work progresses, noting that the supply of oil and LPG gas has not been impacted by the strike
