The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government in Mizoram has launched a full-scale emergency response to restore the damaged highway section between Kawnpui and Sairang, a key route linking the state to the rest of the country. The PWD Minister, Pu Vanlalhlana, convened an urgent meeting late Saturday night with 16 Ministers and MLAs, signalling the state government’s serious concern over the disruption. The damaged highway has not only stranded commuters but also paralyzed the supply chain of essential goods, triggering widespread concern across the state.To ease the immediate hardship of those stranded, the government has sanctioned Rs 3 lakh for emergency food and water supplies, which are being distributed under the supervision of the Kolasib Deputy Commissioner. Relief efforts began on Sunday, with multiple leaders including Kolasib MLA and Deputy Speaker Pu Lalfamkima, MLA Pu Jeje Lalpekhlua, and Chief Minister’s Adviser Dr. Lorrain Lalpekliana Chinzah taking charge in their respective regions. Additional police forces have been deployed along the affected route to maintain order and assist in relief distribution.
In a bid to maintain accountability and momentum, the government has mandated that all concerned Ministers and MLAs must conduct daily site visits. Senior PWD officials have also been stationed at the location to accelerate restoration work. Efforts are being made to mobilize construction materials and heavy equipment. Boulders are being sourced both locally and from the Silchar region, while machinery support has come from several government sources, including trucks, rollers, and JCBs provided by Minister Pu F. Rodingliana and CM’s Adviser Er. H. Ginzalala. To streamline coordination, a Crisis Management Committee has been set up, overseeing a multi-agency approach involving ministers, engineers, civil servants, and local leaders. On Sunday morning, a crucial briefing of senior PWD engineers was held at the residence of Minister Pu Vanlalhlana. Attending the review were Ministers Dr. Vanlalthlana, Pu F. Rodingliana, Prof. Lalnilawma, and Advisers Pu Lalmuanpuia Punte and Pu TBC Lalvenchhunga.
Field inspections have already begun in earnest. Dr. Vanlalthlana and Prof. Lalnilawma visited the site to examine repair progress, while Pu Jeje Lalpekhlua and Dr. Lorrain Lalpekliana Chinzah oversaw food distribution to stranded individuals.During a field visit to Mualkhang, officials from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) pointed to extensive earth-cutting for ongoing railway construction as a likely factor in the road’s weakening. The government has announced plans to launch a formal inquiry into the cause of the damage.Supply Minister Pu B. Lalchhanzova, who has been stationed at the site since Friday night, continues to oversee the transport of essential goods and manage logistical operations to support affected communities. The ZPM Legislature Party reaffirmed its resolve to restore NH-6 on a war footing and called for long-term improvements in highway construction to prevent such breakdowns in the future. The comprehensive response is in direct alignment with Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma’s directive for a coordinated, all-hands effort to tackle the crisis.
