Aizawl: The Mizoram Truck Owners’ Association (MTOA) and associated truck drivers intensified their protest on January 23, suspending operations on the vital Aizawl-Silchar National Highway (NH-306/06) due to its deteriorated condition.
The highway, which serves as Mizoram’s primary link to Assam and the rest of the country, has remained in disrepair since last year’s monsoon season.
MTOA General Secretary Dina Tlau confirmed that trucks carrying essential commodities and construction materials ceased operations from 7 a.m. on Thursday to demand immediate action.
However, oil tankers and trucks carrying cooking gas were exempt from the strike to avoid disrupting critical supplies.
Tlau highlighted that the worst-affected section, between Kawnpui and Khamrang/Sairang, has become nearly impassable, deterring truckers from using the route.
He accused the state government and concerned authorities of failing to honor promises to repair the highway during the winter season.
The strike has garnered support from the Mizoram Trippers’ Association, Kolasib District Trippers’ Association, and truck operators in Kolasib and Kawnpui towns.
Meanwhile, the Mizoram Public Works Department (PWD) stated that repair work on NH-306/06 between Sairang and Vairengte commenced on January 20 and is being executed on a “war footing.”
Approximately 20 laborers, along with earth excavators, vibratory rollers, and tripper trucks, have been deployed for the repairs.
The PWD noted that two key sectors—Bilkhawthlir to Kolasib and Kawnpui to Khamrang—are still under its jurisdiction despite a notification by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) transferring them to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The delay in this handover was attributed to incomplete maintenance by a contractor whose agreement was terminated.
The state government sanctioned ₹75 lakh last year for emergency repairs on the Kawnpui-Khamrang sector, as MoRTH no longer provided maintenance funds. Additional funds have been requested to expedite repairs.
State Civil Supply Department Director Saizikpuii assured that the strike has not yet affected the supply of essential commodities. Rice stocks for January are adequate, and ration quotas are being distributed.
Food grains for February and monsoon reserves are currently being transported, with hopes that the agitation will end soon as repair works progress.
The ongoing strike underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to ensure uninterrupted supply chains and connectivity in the region.