The Hpa-an-Kawkareik-Myawady Asian Highway, part of the Greater Mekong Sub-region East-West Economic Corridor and a main communication route in Kayin State, was reopened yesterday morning by officials from the Kayin State government, Commander of the South-East Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Lin Maung, and other officials.

The road is a vital lifeline for local communities, carrying the largest volume of trade with neighbouring Thailand. It stretches 165.360 kilometres from the Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge I in Hpa-an Township to the Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge II. The road, which had been closed due to fighting, landmine damage, and disruptions to the flow of goods and tourists, has now been reopened after Tatmadaw columns, in cooperation with local communities, restored stability, regained the territory, and repaired the damaged roads and bridges using Union and state funds.

At the opening ceremony, an official from the Kayin State government delivered the opening speech, the Commander of the South-East Command explained the efforts made to reopen the Hpa-an-Kawkareik–Myawady (Asian Highway) section, and a resident expressed gratitude.

Kayin State government officials and other officials cut the ribbon to open the road, presented awards to the bands, pom-pom dance groups, and cultural troupes that participated in the opening ceremony, and took a group photo.

Officials then watched the passing of passenger vehicles, cargo trucks, and private cars travelling from Hpa-an to Myawady, and distributed drinks and snacks.

The Hpa-an-Kawkareik-Myawady Asian Highway was opened yesterday, and as of 5:30 pm yesterday, a total of 640 vehicles had passed along the highway, including 269 passenger vehicles, cargo trucks, and private cars travelling from Hpa-an to Myawady and 371 travelling from Myawady to Hpa-an.

Vehicles arriving from Hpa-an and Myawady are inspected at the Tadakyoe Joint Inspection Checkpoint in Kawkareik Township by officials from the Tatmadaw, the Myanmar Police Force, the Road Transport Administration Department, and Customs Department to ensure that the public can travel with peace of mind and that the flow of goods is smooth and efficient.

Similarly, to ensure the safety and peace of mind of those using the Hpa-an-Kawkareik-Myawady (Asian Highway) section, Sayadaws recited Paritta at the marketplace in Thingan-Nyinaung Village at the end of the Asian Highway yesterday morning. Monks in vehicles also recited Paritta along the Asian Highway from Thingan-Nyinaung Village to Hlaingwa Village in Kawkareik Township.

MNA/TH

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