Severe shortage of fuel and essential commodities has hit Mizoram as hundreds of trucks carrying essential commodities and oil tankers are stranded and afraid to operate due to severely deteriorated condition of National Highway – 306 and 6, the state’s primary lifeline linking Assam, sources said. The dilapidated condition of NH-306/6 particularly at the Kawnpui-Khamrang sector in Kolasib district also forced Mizoram Oil Tanker Drivers’ Association (MOTDA) and Petroleum Entrepreneurs’ and Transporters’ Union of Mizoram (PETUM) to suspend operation of oil tankers on the national highway commencing from Tuesday, MOTDA president Romel Lalruatdika said. Earlier, the two associations had announced to cease transportation of oil on indefinite purpose due to the severe dilapidated condition of the national highway, which according to them, has become dangerous for oil transportation. Romel said that the NH-306 and 6 particularly between Kawnpui and Sairang near Aizawl is too bad for tankers to transport oil. “The poor road poses a risk to the lives of drivers and can also lead to oil spill from tankers endangering the lives of the people. So, we decided to cease operation from September 17 for the safety of drivers and the general public,” Romel said.
The Mizoram Distributor Association also said that many trucks carrying essential commodities are not running due to the dilapidated condition of the road. Most filling stations in Aizawl have run out of stock on Tuesday, while long queues were seen in a few filling stations. Barring Aizawl, the state government has rationed the purchase of oil in other districts, according to state food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department director Saizikpuii. The supply department has urged people not to panic citing that the state government is making massive efforts to repair the road and supply of fuel and essential commodities is expected to get normal soon. On Monday, chief minister Lalduhoma interacted with leaders of Mizoram Commercial Vehicle Union and urged them to be patient and understand the inconvenience faced by the state government due to monsoon rain.
He had said that torrential rainfall and landslides have severely impacted the state’s infrastructures. The chief minister had told the leaders that the Kawnpui-Khamrang sector of National Highway-306/6 is under maintenance by Satguru company and the maintenance period is due up to May 2026. Due to the ongoing maintenance, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has refrained from taking over the project for now, he had said. The government has terminated the contract awarded to Satguru and the remaining maintenance fund will be transferred to Mizoram PWD’s account, Lalduhom had said.
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