India to build bridges in Myanmar
Source: The Sangai Express / Laishram Shamungou

Yangon, March 17 2012: Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Dr VS Seshadri has stated that the Government of India would build/develop 70 bridges and culverts that dot the highway from Tamu to Kalewa in Myanmar.

Moreover, the Government of India has offered to develop the highway from Kalewa to Monywa.

The Sangai Express has already reported about exclusion of bridges from the highway development project.

Talking with the car rally team who reached Yangon yesterday at the Indian Embassy here, Ambassador Seshadri stated that the highway development work and construction of bridges would be completed within three or four years.

Observing that Myanmar has opened all the facilities available in their country to India, Dr Seshadri highlighted the need to work for economic development of all the North Eastern States including Manipur and also to empower traders so that they can engage in import-export trade.

A graphic map showing Indo-Myanmar boundary in the territory of Manipur

Noting the close proximity of Manipur with Myanmar, the Ambassador asked Manipuri people working in health sector to come up with a concrete proposal about what they can offer and do in Myanmar.

Whereas Myanmar has opened around 700 shops at Namphalong for the cross-border trade with India, no such facility exists on Manipur side of the border.

He also mentioned that both the countries have keen interest in the proposed Imphal-Mandalay bus service.

On their part, participants of the rally apprised the Ambassador about portions of the highways both in Manipur and Myanmar which are in bad shape.

Notably, the Government of Manipur after taking a resolution in the State Assembly has been lobbying with the DoNER Ministry and Transport since 2009 to introduce bus service between Imphal and Mandalay.

Moreover, the Chief Minister of Manipur had asked the Centre to introduce Imphal-Mandalay-Yangon-Bangkok flight service.

Tourism Commissioner KK Chhetry who is leading the team endorsed the proposal to facilitate movement of Myanmarese pilgrims to Bodh Gaya through Manipur.

Transport Director BK Sharma informed the Ambassador that the State Transport Department has already identified three travel agencies for the proposed Imphal-Mandalay bus service.

The highway connecting Imphal to Mandalay is 579 Kms long.

Out of it, 110 Kms long Tamu-Kalewa stretch has been properly developed but the 184 Kms long Kalewa-Monywa section has not been repaired.

As such, Imphal-Mandalay bus service if introduced can be operational only during dry season.

Moreover, many bridges constructed during World War II period have become creaky and they cannot withstand the weight of vehicles carrying more than 13 tonnes of goods.

The car rally would be flagged from Yangon by its Chief Minister tomorrow.