Resumption of Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati Bus Services Sees Over 1,700 Passengers in a Week

Imphal, India Aug 30, 2026 ALN: More than 1,700 passengers have travelled from Imphal to Nagaland’s Dimapur and Assam’s Guwahati via National Highway-2 over the past week, following the resumption of inter-state public transport services after a gap of more than three years. This significant milestone marks a crucial step in restoring connectivity in a region that has faced persistent challenges due to ethnic tensions and violence.

The movement of passengers along the crucial highway continued smoothly on Saturday, with 428 people leaving Imphal in 19 vehicles, a Manipur Transport Department official stated. This figure marked the first time since services resumed that the number of passengers travelling from Imphal in a single day crossed the 400 mark, indicating a growing confidence among the public to utilize these services once again.

Eight buses and 11 wingers left Imphal on Saturday morning, carrying passengers towards Dimapur and Guwahati. The resumption of these bus services is not just a logistical necessity but also a symbol of normalcy returning to a region that has been grappling with unrest. The official noted that the steady movement of public transport along NH-2 reflects ongoing efforts by authorities to facilitate safe and hassle-free travel on this vital inter-state route.

However, the resumption of transport services has not been without its challenges. On Friday, services were briefly affected when the movement of vehicles was suspended due to a shutdown in Senapati district, following a violent incident a day earlier. Four members of the Liangmai Naga community, including the principal of a private school, were killed and another person injured in an ambush by armed militants in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Thursday, August 27. This incident underscores the fragility of the situation in Manipur, where sporadic violence has continued to disrupt daily life and travel.

The inter-state passenger bus services between Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland resumed on August 21 for the first time since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023. The violence primarily stemmed from clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribal communities, leading to widespread unrest that resulted in loss of life, displacement of residents, and significant disruption of public services, including transportation.

Chief Minister Khemchand Singh had earlier stated that the restoration of public road transport services between Imphal and Guwahati would bring much-needed relief to people in Manipur, particularly students studying outside the state and those travelling for medical treatment. The resumption of these services is crucial for the socio-economic stability of the region, as it facilitates not only personal travel but also the movement of goods and services, which are vital for local economies.

Passenger transport services along NH-2 had remained disrupted for more than three years following the outbreak of ethnic violence. This prolonged disruption had significant implications for the residents of Manipur, many of whom rely on these transport links for education, employment, and access to healthcare. The inability to travel freely across state lines also contributed to a sense of isolation among communities affected by the violence.

The resumption of bus services is part of broader efforts by the government to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of residents. Authorities have implemented various measures aimed at improving security along travel routes and providing reassurance to passengers. Enhanced security checks and coordination with local law enforcement agencies are among the strategies being employed to mitigate risks associated with travel in the region.

Moreover, the restoration of services has the potential to foster better inter-community relations. By facilitating movement and interaction among different groups, the hope is that such initiatives can contribute to healing and reconciliation in a region that has been deeply divided by recent events. The government’s commitment to restoring public transport is seen as a step towards rebuilding trust among communities that have been affected by violence and instability.

In conclusion, while the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus services is a positive development, it is essential to remain vigilant and responsive to the underlying issues that led to the previous unrest. Continuous dialogue among community leaders, government officials, and civil society will be crucial in ensuring that the progress made in restoring transport services translates into lasting peace and stability in the region. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether these efforts can lead to a sustainable resolution of the conflicts that have plagued Manipur and its neighboring states.