Resumption of Bus Services Between Mizoram and Manipur After Three Years

After a suspension lasting over three years, passenger bus services between Mizoram and Manipur are set to resume. Mizoram's Transport Minister flagged off the buses, aiming to ease travel for residents affected by ethnic tensions. The service will operate daily between Sairang and Lamka, with a journey time of approximately 12 hours. This development follows the resumption of inter-state services connecting Manipur with Assam and Nagaland. The new bus service is expected to provide much-needed connectivity for the communities involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 30, 2026, 12:16 IST

Inter-State Bus Services Restart

Mizoram Transport Minister Vanlalhlana and officials, flagging off the buses from the Transport Office premises at Chaltlang. (Photo:@airnews_ita/X)

Aizawl/Imphal, Sep 29: After a hiatus of over three years, the passenger bus services linking Mizoram with the neighboring state of Manipur are set to recommence.

On Tuesday, Mizoram's Transport Minister Vanlalhlana inaugurated two 21-seater buses from the Transport Office in Chaltlang, marking the official launch of this inter-state bus service.

The service is slated to start regular operations on October 1, connecting Sairang, located near Aizawl, with Lamka in Churachandpur district of Manipur.

During the launch, Vanlalhlana voiced his concerns regarding the travel difficulties faced by residents due to the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, expressing optimism that this new service would facilitate easier travel between the two states.

The minister also underscored the significance of unity among the Zo kindred tribes, which include the Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities, stating that Mizoram acts as a central hub for the Zo community.

Siamnunlian Valte, the CEO of VK Tawna Travels, the private operator for the new bus service, provided insights into its operational framework.

R Lalrammawia, the director of the Transport Department, elaborated on essential regulatory and logistical details concerning the route.

Under the VK Tawna Inter-State Bus Service, two 21-seater buses will run daily between Lamka and Sairang.

The journey, covering approximately 360 kilometers, is expected to take around 12 hours, with a fare set at Rs 2,500 per passenger. Tickets can be booked online via the VK Tawna Bus Service mobile app.

In a related update, inter-state bus services connecting Manipur with Assam and Nagaland resumed on August 21 after a similar three-year suspension.

Bus operations along National Highway-2 had been interrupted due to ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur, which erupted on May 3, 2023.

The Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) and the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati National Highway (NH-2) are vital routes linking Manipur with the rest of India.