Manipur crisis forces Ukhrul, Kamjong residents to take dilapidated Ramva-Napetpali route as alternative to NH-202

The continuing security concerns along National Highway 202 have forced residents of Manipur's Ukhrul and Kamjong districts to depend on the longer and poorly maintained Ramva-Napetpali route to travel to Imphal, turning an already difficult journey into a major hardship for commuters.

The alternative route, which passes through several interior villages, has emerged as a crucial lifeline since fresh tensions erupted in February amid the continuing Naga-Kuki conflict. However, large stretches of the road remain in deplorable condition, with commuters facing dust and potholes during the dry season and muddy, slippery stretches during the monsoon.

The usual Imphal-Ukhrul journey via Litan along NH-202 takes around three to four hours. However, repeated attacks on vehicles along the highway have left commuters apprehensive about using the route, despite the deployment of security personnel and escort vehicles.

On April 18, 2026, suspected armed militants ambushed private and passenger vehicles travelling from Imphal towards Ukhrul from an adjoining hill range, killing two civilians, including a retired Indian Army soldier.

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 incident 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.

Against this backdrop, residents have increasingly been using the Ramva-Napetpali route, which takes around six to seven hours to reach Imphal. The single-lane Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road connects villages such as Shokvao, Lungphu, Shingta, Marou, Shingkap, Tangkhul Hundung, Nongdam, Moirangpurel, Rishophung, Nongren and Leikoiching before reaching Imphal.

The route has also become important for people from Senapati district travelling to Imphal through Ukhrul. However, its narrow and rugged terrain makes it unsuitable for heavy vehicles and commercial buses.

‘Travelling to Imphal Has Become a Punishment’

The deteriorating road condition and longer travel time have also affected the local economy. Farmers and traders from the hill districts, who earlier regularly travelled to Imphal to sell agricultural produce and conduct business, have reduced the frequency of their visits due to the difficult journey.

Awon, a frequent traveller between Ukhrul and Imphal, said residents of the hill districts have been enduring immense hardship since the fresh crisis began.

She said poor road conditions have made accidents frequent along the alternative route, with some families reportedly losing loved ones in road mishaps.

"I feel that taking the longer route has become a punishment. The road condition is worse and it is like off-roading through some jungle. In order to visit Imphal for a single purpose, I have to spend at least two to three days there as we cannot return to Ukhrul on the same day due to the long journey," Awon said.

The financial burden on commuters has also increased significantly. The fare from Ukhrul to Imphal, which earlier stood at Rs 300, has gone up to Rs 750 per passenger.

Awon said that although there are no Kuki settlements along the alternative route, residents have been advised against travelling at night due to the prevailing security situation. However, people are sometimes compelled to undertake night journeys during medical emergencies.

Demand for Road Upgradation

Recognising the growing dependence on the route, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah had earlier written to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, urging the state government to upgrade the Ramva-Napetpali road 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.

With NH-202 continuing to pose security concerns for commuters, residents of Ukhrul and Kamjong are increasingly dependent on the Ramva-Napetpali route. They say improving the road is no longer merely an infrastructure demand but an urgent necessity for safe travel, access to healthcare and the movement of essential commodities.