Highway Woes Cut Mizoram Off From Crucial Supplies
Mizoram is grappling with a severe shortage of fuel and essential goods as the state’s only major artery, National Highway-306/06, remains in disrepair. Scores of trucks and oil tankers have been stranded near the Kawnpui-Khamrang area of Kolasib district, causing widespread disruption to fuel and grocery supplies.
The Mizoram Oil Tanker Drivers’ Association (MOTDA) and the Petroleum Entrepreneurs’ and Transporters’ Union of Mizoram (PETUM) have halted fuel transportation from neighboring Assam, citing dangerous road conditions. The organizations have issued a warning of an indefinite strike beginning Tuesday, September 17, 2024, if no immediate action is taken to repair the eroded roads.
Rising Costs and Damage to Vehicles Worsen the Crisis
According to a joint press statement by MOTDA and PETUM, the poor condition of the highway has resulted in frequent damage to tankers, increasing maintenance costs and posing serious risks to drivers. Many tankers are in urgent need of repair, leaving fuel stations un-replenished, with some stations already shutting down due to a lack of supply.
As the situation worsens, fuel rationing has begun across the state. Long lines have formed at the few gas stations that still have fuel, while grocery stores are struggling to restock essential goods due to delivery trucks getting stranded on deteriorating roads. The scarcity of both fuel and food is now creating a growing sense of urgency for immediate infrastructure repairs.
Drivers Refuse to Deliver Goods Over Fear of Road Damage
The damage to roads is not only impacting fuel supplies but also general goods transportation. Many truck drivers have refused to deliver goods due to the risk of damage to their vehicles during transit. This refusal has added to the growing scarcity of essential items, compounding the difficulties faced by Mizoram’s residents.
The deteriorating condition of highways has raised concerns about Mizoram’s infrastructure and its ability to sustain vital supply lines. The crisis has shown that without significant improvements, the state’s connection to the rest of India will remain fragile, leaving residents vulnerable to shortages of fuel, food, and other essential goods.
As Mizoram remains heavily dependent on National Highway-306/06 for fuel and essential goods, the ongoing crisis reveals the vulnerability of the state’s supply chain. The delays in repairing the highway threaten to push the region into deeper shortages and economic strain, further emphasizing the importance of reliable road infrastructure.
Government Urged to Act Swiftly as Crisis Deepens
MOTDA and PETUM have urged the Mizoram state government to take immediate action, warning that without intervention, the situation could spiral into a prolonged crisis. The organizations are calling for emergency repairs to the highway to ensure the safe transport of goods and fuel, which are vital for Mizoram’s daily functioning.
As the September 17 deadline for an indefinite strike approaches, the fear of worsening shortages looms large. If oil tankers and goods trucks cease operations, the state could face an even more severe scarcity of supplies, further straining its infrastructure and economy.
Mizoram’s Road to Recovery: Immediate Action Needed
With the clock ticking, the pressure is mounting on the state government to repair and maintain the deteriorating roads. For Mizoram to recover from this crisis, swift and decisive action is essential to restore the supply chain and prevent further damage to the state’s infrastructure and economy.
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