The Kale–Tedim transport fares have skyrocketed after clashes erupted along the highway linking Kale (Kalay) Town in Sagaing Region with Taingen Village and Tedim Town in Chin State. The road, closed for nearly two weeks due to the fighting, was reopened on November 13, and bus fares have since surged to 200,000 MMK per passenger.
“Right now, Kale–Tedim bus fare has shot up to 200,000 kyat for a one-way trip. It’s gone up before as well, but the highest we ever saw was 150,000. Even though the road has reopened, some bus operators still don’t dare to run. If you rent a motorbike carrier, it’s even worse, up to 350,000 MMK, and in some areas, you have to take rough jungle detours instead of the main road,” said a passenger who traveled from Kale to Tedim.
The junta launched military operations in Tedim Township on October 29, sparking near-daily clashes along the highway. During that period, both the main road and detour routes were completely impassable, bringing all traffic to a halt. Now, some bus operators are taking the risk and resuming their services, locals reported.
“Since the fighting started, some vehicles have been caught in the clashes. Drivers have had to avoid the main road, using nearby village paths and detours to get out of the conflict zone. Some vehicles are still stuck in the villages. Right now, only passenger vehicles can travel on the roads, cargo trucks aren’t able to run yet,” a Tedim Township resident told Chin World.
Another Tedim resident reported that, starting around noon on November 14, a few cars were seen moving sporadically along the main route, which had been completely devoid of traffic for days.
A junta column advancing from Khaikam Town in Tedim Township, along with another column from Tedim Town, reached their common destination, Taingen Village, on November 12.
Sources familiar with the military situation in the area have warned that the public should avoid using the Kale–Taingen–Tedim Road for the time being, as Chin resistance forces continue to attack junta troops using various methods, including landmines.
