Ukhrul: The road connecting Ukhrul to Imphal via the Ramva-Napetpali route remains in poor condition, despite serving as a crucial lifeline for residents of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts amid the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
Since fresh tensions erupted in February, travellers from the two hill districts have been forced to take this network of interconnected village roads (IVRs) to reach Imphal. The journey now takes nearly six to seven hours.
The Imphal-Ukhrul road along National Highway 202 (NH-202), via Litan, normally a three-hour journey, remains vulnerable following a series of ambushes on travellers that have left people dead and injured.
Despite the deployment of security forces and the presence of escort vehicles, commuters remain apprehensive about using the highway amid repeated gun attacks by suspected Kuki armed militants.
On April 18, 2026, suspected armed militants ambushed private and passenger vehicles travelling from Imphal to Ukhrul from an adjoining hill range, killing two civilians, including a retired Indian Army soldier, on the spot.
Similarly, on May 29, an escorted Food Corporation of India (FCI) rice transport truck came under attack by unidentified gunmen, reportedly killing its driver. The latest attack occurred on November 4, when passenger vehicles and vehicles transporting essential commodities came under fire near TM Kasom along NH-202. No casualties or injuries were reported.
Amid the continuing tensions, the Ramva-Napetpali route has emerged as an alternative lifeline for residents of Ukhrul and Kamjong, as well as people from Senapati district travelling to Imphal via Ukhrul.
The single-lane Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road connects several villages, including Shokvao, Lungphu, Shingta, Marou, Shingkap, Tangkhul Hundung, Nongdam, Moirangpurel, Rishophung, Nongren and Leikoiching, before reaching Imphal.
However, the alternative route becomes virtually non-motorable during the monsoon due to inadequate drainage, waterlogging and heavy mud.
The disruption of traffic along the Imphal-Ukhrul highway has caused severe inconvenience to residents and dealt a major blow to the local economy. Before the crisis, people from the hill districts regularly travelled to Imphal to sell their agricultural produce. This has now been severely disrupted by longer travel times and reduced passenger transport services.
Heavy vehicles and commercial buses cannot use the alternative route because of its narrow and rugged terrain.
Awon, a frequent traveller between Ukhrul and Imphal, said residents of the hill districts have been facing immense hardship since the fresh crisis began.
Poor road conditions have also contributed to road accidents, with some families reportedly losing loved ones in mishaps.
“Travelling along the longer route has become a punishment to us since the road condition is in bad shape and it is like offroading to some jungle. Also, we are compelled to spend at least two to three days in Imphal since we cannot return to Ukhrul on the same day due to the long distance,” Awon said.
The fare from Ukhrul to Imphal, which was earlier Rs 300, has increased to Rs 750 per passenger, adding to the financial burden on ordinary commuters.
Although there are no Kuki settlements along the alternative route, Awon said residents have been advised against travelling at night due to the prevailing security situation. However, people are still forced to undertake risky night journeys in medical emergencies, she added.
To address the difficulties faced by residents, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah had earlier written to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, urging the state government to upgrade the Ramva-Napetpali route into a state highway and develop it to at least an intermediate road standard.
However, no major construction work has been undertaken so far, apart from minor repairs carried out by local leaders and residents.
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