Aizawl: The Mizoram Truck Drivers Association (MTDA) has initiated a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the Mizoram government and a private construction firm, citing the persistently deplorable condition of a critical stretch of National Highway 306. This arterial road serves as Mizoram’s sole link to Assam via Silchar, acting as the economic lifeline for the landlocked state by facilitating the movement of all essential supplies. The Aizawl bench of the Gauhati High Court has acknowledged the petition and admitted it for hearing, an MTDA leader confirmed on Thursday.
The PIL specifically targets the severely deteriorated Kawnpui-Sairang section of NH-306, alongside portions of NH-6 between the 118–133 kilometre marks. These segments are particularly susceptible to damage during the monsoon season, exacerbating existing issues. The association highlights that frequent landslides and numerous potholes have led to a spate of vehicular accidents and significant damage to vehicles, compelling many truck drivers to avoid this crucial route altogether.
Despite assurances and repeated attempts at repair, the MTDA alleges that the quality of roadwork has remained consistently substandard, failing to provide any lasting solution. Officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) have stated that the worst-affected stretch, Kawnpui-Khamrang on NH-6, is currently undergoing repairs. This section, along with the Bilkhawthlir-Kolasib segment of NH-306, was taken over by the construction company from the state Public Works Department (PWD).
Earlier in July, the Kolasib unit of the Mizoram Tipper Association (MTA), exasperated by the ongoing issues, took matters into its own hands. They undertook repairs on the Kawnpui-Khamrang road, a move that necessitated halting truck movement for a period of six days and consequently led to a severe fuel shortage across the state.
PWD Minister Vanlalhlana had previously clarified that the responsibility for NH-6/306 between Sairang and Vairengte, near the Assam border, was transferred to NHIDCL by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in 2020. While NHIDCL initially expressed reluctance to assume control over parts of the road due to pending repair work by the state government, they fully took over responsibility after these repairs were completed last year. Vanlalhlana further stated that the Mizoram government spent a substantial ₹200 crore in 2024–25 and an additional ₹111.74 crore in the current fiscal year to maintain these vital roads, attributing these expenditures to delays in action by NHIDCL. He also pointed out that the state no longer receives funds from MoRTH for the maintenance of national highways.
Meanwhile, the youth wing of the opposition Congress party has seized upon the issue, demanding the resignations of both Chief Minister Lalduhoma and PWD Minister Vanlalhlana. They hold the two leaders accountable for the deplorable state of the highway and accuse them of evading responsibility, asserting that Mizoram will continue to grapple with poor road conditions unless both step down from their positions.
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