Barred for over two years, Asia Highway's Bago-Kawkareik-Myawaddy section reopens

Key Asian Highway Reopens After Two-Year Closure

The Bago (Bago) - Kawkareik - Myawaddy Asian Highway has reopened after being closed for over two years due to conflict and security concerns. The official reopening ceremony is scheduled for April 2 near Tatadawgyi village in Kayin State, with the state government inviting relevant departments to attend.

Closure Disrupted Trade, Forced Use of Alternate Routes

The vital trade artery was initially closed in December 2023 after sections were damaged by fighting and due to ongoing security instability in the area. During the more than two-year closure, travelers and commercial transport were forced to use older, less efficient alternate routes, including the Dawna Mountain road and the Kawkoko (Egg Mountain) road.

A local merchant highlighted the economic impact of the reopening, stating it would significantly reduce transport costs and benefit workers and farmers. However, the merchant also framed the decision in a broader political context.

"Transport costs for a truck will drop from about 900,000 kyat to 200,000 kyat, so commodity prices will fall... This will benefit the public," the merchant said. "The people who will gain are the public, and those who will lose are the ones who can no longer exploit the situation for personal gain... When you weigh the personal interests of one group against the suffering of the public, you see the truth."

Security Situation Remains Under Watch

The move to reopen the highway is being led by the military administration. However, the security situation and territorial control along the route remain fluid and will require continued monitoring, according to the report.