The fares have been reduced from Kyat 8000 to Kyat 4000 on the border Tiau River- Kalemyo stretch from the second week of February.

While the reason for the fare slash is not known the fact is that the number of buses and vehicles are increasing and competition between owners for more passengers is on the rise. The road has been reconstructed and that helps vehicle owners.

“The price of diesel has not come down yet though vehicle fares have decreased to half of what was prevailing. I have no idea why this has happened but it is good for us. The road condition has also improved and we can reach our destination in time,” said a trader.

The Burmese military junta has been constructing and renovating the Indo-Myanmar border Haimual road using 10 bulldozers and other big road building equipment.

Traders and travelers can go from Kale to Tiau river border in seven hours.  Earlier, it took at least 12 hours. Now they can make a return trip in a day.

However, charges for carrying goods have not come down. Most traders believe that too will decrease.

There are five service stations for vehicles on the Indo-Myanmar border trade road No. 2 – Pyichitta, Zalatmi, Pancherry, Chintaungtan and Shwenesat. The Shwenesat station opened in February this year.

Meanwhile, the passenger count has gone up compared to last year. About 20 vehicles ply daily on the Indo-Myanmar border trade road No. 2 full of passengers.- Khonumthung News