CNI News

5 Dec 2022

The road linking Kalay in Sagaing Region and Indian border town Tamu, which was closed in November, has been reopened since early December, according to Tamu residents.

Tamu resident Ko Nyein Chan told the CNI that the road had been reopened for three days and fuel was entering into the market but prices did not fall.

He said, "It has been three days since the road was reopened. Fuel tanker trucks have returned to towns but fuel is still expensive. I think it will take a week for commodity prices to be stable. Prices have not fallen significantly at present.

An archway to Kalay

The Kalay-Tamu road is an important route for the border trade with India and transportation between Tamu and Yangon and Mandalay.

The road was closed on 20 November due to armed conflicts in Sagaing Region.

However, as curfew has been imposed in Kalay and Tamu from 8 pm, the road can be used between 6 am and 6 pm, according to a local resident.

A market in Tamu

He told the CNI, "The road can be used as usual. There are checkpoints along the road but the traffic flow has not been delayed for a long time. However, curfew is imposed from 8 pm in both Kalay and Tamu, it is impossible to use the road between 6 pm to 6 am."

During the road blockade, fuel prices rose to MMK 22,500 per gallon while other commodities were in short supply and prices went up.

Moreover, there is a shortage of doctors in Tamu and residents have to go to Kalay for treatments, according to residents.