Commercial vehicle operators and truckers in Mizoram’s Kolasib district are set to launch a four-day strike starting October 23rd. Their demand? Immediate action on the severely damaged National Highway-306, a critical lifeline for the state, according to a protest leader who spoke on Monday, October 20, 2025.
This impending blockade will be led by the Kolasib unit of the Mizoram Tipper Association (MTA) alongside the Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing commercial vehicle drivers and owners in Kolasib town.
National Highway-306, which includes a section known as NH-6, serves as Mizoram’s main artery, connecting the state capital, Aizawl, to Silchar in Assam.
Vanlallungtiawia, General Secretary of the MTA Kolasib unit, informed PTI that despite repairs in July and August, the Sairang-Vairengte and Kolasib-Bairabi sections of NH-306 remain in a dangerous and dilapidated state, making them hazardous for all vehicles, especially trucks.
He emphasized that numerous accidents and vehicle damages have occurred as a direct result of these poor road conditions.
State authorities, for their part, have stated that repair work on the national highway is currently underway.
However, Mr. Vanlallungtiawia countered, alleging that despite ongoing repair efforts by the state government and various companies, progress is painstakingly slow.
Both the MTA and JAC are urging the State government and NHIDCL to significantly accelerate the repair efforts, especially with the winter season fast approaching, he added.
He warned, “If the repair work continues at this sluggish pace, authorities will fail to complete it before the next rainy season.”
Furthermore, Mr. Vanlallungtiawia accused the NHIDCL of negligence.
He claimed the central construction agency “does not give proper attention to the roads it manages in Mizoram.”
Previously, commercial vehicle operators had issued a stark warning: they would not be held responsible for any unforeseen incidents involving the NHIDCL if the highways were not repaired promptly.
Mr. Vanlallungtiawia detailed the strike plans, stating that the blockade would span the Sairang-Vairengte and Kolasib-Bairabi sections of NH-306, running from 7 AM on October 23rd to 4 PM on October 26th. This action aims to intensify pressure on both the NHIDCL and the state government.
He also mentioned that the Kawnpui-Durtlang highway, an important diversion route between Aizawl and Kolasib, would similarly be affected.
Emergency service vehicles, however, will be granted an exemption from the strike.
Approximately 30 local associations representing commercial vehicle owners and operators in Kolasib district have pledged their support for this proposed blockade.
It’s worth noting that NH-306 had previously undergone repairs in July and August, following extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall.
In a related development, Saizikpuii, Director of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, confirmed that the ongoing repair work has already impacted LPG and oil supplies.
She explained that trucks transporting essential goods are experiencing multi-day delays en route, awaiting road clearances due to the repairs, which has led to inconsistent gas and oil deliveries.
Despite these challenges, she assured that no major supply crisis has been reported to date.