Cyclone damages key roads, Nagaland restricts heavy vehicles near Manipur border
Imphal: Manipur is once again facing severe transportation challenges due to Cyclone Remal's impact.
The state's lifeline, NH-37 connecting Imphal to Silchar, has been severed by the collapse of the Irang bridge.
Adding to the woes, Nagaland has restricted heavy vehicle movement on the Imphal-Dimapur NH-102 route due to bridge abutment damage caused by the cyclone.
This restriction comes at a crucial time when Manipur heavily relies on NH-102 after the NH-37 closure.
The Nagaland government's order, issued by Kohima Deputy Commissioner Kumar Ramnikant, cites heavy rain damage to a bridge near Jakhama on NH-02. As a result, heavy vehicles exceeding 12 tonnes are completely banned from crossing the bridge.
Additionally, all traffic is suspended on the bridge from 7 pm to 7 am.
For lighter vehicles (under 12 tonnes), single-file passage with a 5 mph speed limit is mandated.
Light vehicles can use alternate routes via Keyake (BSF Camp) or Prayer Park (Kadima) during the restricted hours.
Meanwhile, the Manipur government has assured the movement of 38 essential-item-carrying vehicles on NH-2 with strict security measures.
Security convoys will be deployed on sensitive stretches to ensure safe passage.