Frustrated by years of neglect and crumbling road conditions, the Mizoram Truck Drivers Association (MTDA) has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the Mizoram government and a construction firm over the deteriorating state of National Highway 306, a critical lifeline linking the state with neighbouring Assam via Silchar. The Aizawl bench of the Gauhati High Court has admitted the petition, with MTDA leaders confirming the development on Thursday. The PIL specifically highlights the poor condition of the Kawnpui-Sairang section of NH-306 and portions of NH-6 between the 118 to 133 km mark—areas particularly prone to landslides and potholes during the monsoon season. The truckers argue that the failing infrastructure has resulted in numerous accidents, vehicle damage, and regular disruptions in the movement of essential supplies. Many transporters have now begun to avoid these dangerous routes altogether, further straining supply chains across Mizoram.
“Despite multiple repair works, the road quality remains dangerously substandard,” the MTDA alleged, pointing out that repeated complaints to government agencies and contractors have gone unanswered. Officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) confirmed that work is currently underway on the most severely damaged Kawnpui–Khamrang stretch of NH-6. This portion, along with the Bilkhawthlir–Kolasib stretch of NH-306, had been handed over to NHIDCL from the Mizoram PWD. However, the MTDA maintains that the progress has been slow and the quality of construction unsatisfactory. Earlier this month, the Kolasib unit of the Mizoram Tipper Association (MTA) staged an unprecedented protest by suspending truck operations for six days while repairing a portion of the Kawnpui-Khamrang road themselves. This impromptu effort led to a severe fuel crisis in several parts of the state, underscoring the dependence on the highway and the absence of timely government response.
In response to mounting criticism, PWD Minister Vanlalhlana clarified that the responsibility for NH-6 and NH-306—from Sairang to Vairengte near the Assam border—was officially transferred to NHIDCL in 2020 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Although NHIDCL initially refused to assume full control due to incomplete repairs, it accepted full responsibility in 2024 after the state government spent nearly ₹200 crore on temporary improvements. Vanlalhlana also revealed that the Mizoram government has spent ₹111.74 crore in the current fiscal year alone on road maintenance—despite no longer receiving central funds from MoRTH for national highway upkeep. Meanwhile, the issue has taken a sharp political turn. The youth wing of the opposition Congress has demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Minister Vanlalhlana, accusing both leaders of mishandling the road crisis and evading responsibility. In a statement, the party warned that Mizoram would continue to suffer economic and logistical setbacks unless both stepped down.
