Manipur residents face Rs 1.02 crore annual "pothole tax" on deteriorating highway

Residents living near the crucial Mayai Lambi road in Manipur are demanding immediate repairs to the deteriorating stretch, revealing that poor road conditions are draining Rs 1.02 crore annually from local families through increased fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs.

 

During a press conference on August 26, Chingtham Premkumar, a resident from Hiyanthang in Imphal West, highlighted the severe financial burden imposed by the road's condition. The 9-kilometre stretch from Keishampat Junction to Hiyangthang on NH-137A serves as a lifeline connecting villages including Mongsangei, Langthabal, Hiyangthang, Samurou, Wangoi, and Mayang Imphal.

 

Despite being upgraded to national highway standards under NH-137A, the road remains plagued by numerous potholes and cracks, with an International Roughness Index (IRI) of approximately 8 m/km - four times worse than acceptable standards.

 

A comprehensive survey conducted by local residents revealed the staggering economic impact on approximately 17,200 households in the region. The study found that around 3,440 households own vehicles and regularly use this route, with 80% operating two-wheelers and 20% using four-wheelers.

 

The poor road surface forces vehicles to consume an additional 68,000 litres of fuel annually compared to smooth roads, resulting in extra costs of Rs 68 lakh at current fuel prices. Using the World Bank's HDM-4 model, researchers determined that fuel consumption increases by 10-15% on deteriorated surfaces.

 

Vehicle maintenance expenses have also skyrocketed, with residents spending an additional Rs 34.4 lakh yearly on repairs to tires, brakes, and suspension systems - costs that increase by 20-40 per cent on poor road surfaces.

 

"Putting together all extra expenses, the families commuting on this road bear a 'pothole tax' of Rs 1.02 crore per year — money siphoned away from children's education, family healthcare, and household savings," Premkumar stated, presenting findings from their detailed survey.

 

The deteriorating conditions have also made the route accident-prone, adding safety concerns to the financial burden faced by daily commuters.

 

Local residents have escalated their concerns through official channels, submitting a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur and representations to the District Commissioner of Imphal West this month. According to Premkumar, the Governor provided a positive response, giving residents hope for timely improvements.

 

"As Mayai Lambi is the lifeline of many people, the authority concerned should not neglect this route," Premkumar emphasised, urging officials to uphold the Supreme Court's directive recognising better road connectivity as a basic right of citizens.