Imphal: Public road transport along the Imphal–Dimapur–Guwahati route via National Highway 2 continued smoothly on Saturday, with 428 passengers travelling from Imphal in 19 vehicles.
The vehicles — comprising eight buses and 11 Wingers — departed from Imphal at around 10 am, marking the first time since the resumption of public transport services along the route that the number of passengers crossed 400 in a single day.
Commuters from different communities have been using the NH-2 route since August 21, following the resumption of public road transport services. More than 1,700 people have travelled from Imphal towards Dimapur and Guwahati over the past week, according to the state government.
The service was suspended on Friday due to a shutdown in Senapati district but resumed on Saturday.
The steady movement of public transport along NH-2 is being seen as an important step towards restoring safe and uninterrupted connectivity between Manipur and the rest of the Northeast. The initiative has also drawn appreciation from sections of society, with the state government led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh being credited for facilitating the resumption.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier welcomed the state government’s efforts to resume the Imphal–Dimapur–Guwahati bus service and facilitate free movement along National Highway 2.
Khemchand Singh had said the restoration of public road transport between Imphal and Guwahati would provide much-needed relief to people in Manipur, particularly students studying outside the state and those travelling for medical treatment.
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The resumption of services follows an announcement made by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen on August 8 at Kangpokpi district. They had announced the reopening of the national highways for free movement of people from all communities, along with the resumption of the Imphal–Dimapur–Guwahati bus service.
The move came amid efforts to restore normal movement along key highways connecting the state after months of disruptions.
For passengers, the regular operation of the route is significant as NH-2 is one of the main road links connecting Manipur with Nagaland and Assam, providing access to Dimapur and Guwahati.
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