Imphal: After a prolonged period of restricted movement, Manipur witnessed the resumption of vital bus services today, March 8th.
State transport buses, under the protection of Central Armed Police Forces, embarked on routes connecting Imphal to Senapati via Kangpokpi, and Imphal to Churachandpur via Bishnupur. These services, which departed from Imphal airport at 9 am, mark a significant step towards restoring normalcy in the region.
The reinstatement of these routes follows directives from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who instructed officials to ensure the free movement of citizens across all routes within the state. Chief Secretary PK Singh, in a formal statement, emphasized that the bus services, operating with CAPF escorts, are intended to “alleviate public inconveniences and as an initiative towards bringing normalcy in the state.”
Further enhancing connectivity, helicopter services between Imphal and Churachandpur are scheduled to commence on March 12th. Manipur Heli Services will operate on Wednesdays, with flights from Imphal to Churachandpur between 11:20 AM and 3:50 PM. Saturday operations will include flights to Churachandpur and Ukhrul, running from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The state government has issued a stern warning, stating that any individual found disrupting the movement of these buses will face prosecution under relevant legal provisions.
The revived Manipur State Transport (MST) bus routes, operating under CAPF escort, include Imphal to Kangpokpi to Senapati, Senapati to Kangpokpi to Imphal, Imphal to Bishnupur to Churachandpur, and Churachandpur to Bishnupur to Imphal. This resumption comes after a failed attempt in December 2024 to restart these services, when no passengers appeared at the MST station in Moirangkhom, Imphal.
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