YANGON: The Tatmadaw (Myanmar armed forces) is undertaking efforts to reopen the Kalay–Tamu route, a key border trade corridor connecting Myanmar and India.
According to reports, People's Defence Force (PDF) groups have intermittently blocked the Kalay–Tamu route since 2024, allegedly collecting tolls from cargo trucks and passenger vehicles, threatening travelers with weapons, carrying out arrests and killings, burning vehicles, and looting goods.
As a result, transportation along the route has been severely disrupted, leading to a decline in border trade, shortages of food and consumer goods, and rising prices in local markets. The restrictions on travel and road access have also affected the socio-economic well-being of residents in the area.
Limited transportation has hindered access to healthcare services, disrupted students' education and contributed to a decline in economic activities.
To restore control of the route, the Tatmadaw launched phased area-clearance operations on June 7, 2026, with military columns advancing from both Kalay and Tamu. The column moving from Tamu has reached the vicinity of Yan Lin Phai Village, while the column advancing from Kalay has arrived near Ngar Mile Village.
Efforts to regain control of the route are continuing, and authorities expect the Kalay–Tamu Road to reopen in the near future.
During the operations, security forces discovered damage to roads and bridges along the route, including the Nanmutta Bridge and the 55-Mile Bridge, which had reportedly been destroyed by PDF groups.
In villages along the corridor, houses, religious buildings and government facilities were found to have been fortified with trenches, sandbag bunkers, and other defensive structures for use as military positions.
The Tatmadaw stated that it will continue operations to restore security and reopen the Kalay–Tamu route as soon as possible. Efforts will also continue to clear landmines allegedly planted along the roadway and to repair and reconstruct damaged bridges and infrastructure.
The Kalay–Tamu route is one of the most important land transportation links between northwestern Myanmar and India. In addition to facilitating regional transportation, it plays a significant role in border trade, socio-economic development and international connectivity.
The route serves as a vital channel for the movement of food, consumer goods and other commodities, supporting the daily livelihoods of local communities and improving access to travel, healthcare and educational services. - Eleven Media/ANN
