Sections of Tigyaing–Katha Road Destroyed by Backhoes, Disrupting Mandalay–Myitkyina Travel

Burma News International (BNI) is a network of 15 independent media and news organizations based in and around Burma Locals report that sections of the Tigyaing–Katha Road in Katha Township, Sagaing Region, were deliberately excavated and destroyed using backhoes. The main damaged sections, reportedly dug up in late June, are near Nyaungchayhtauk and Thanpuyar villages in Katha Township. A local told KNG that at least three separate sections of the road were intentionally destroyed. “There are about two or three places where the road near Nyaungchayhtauk and Thanpuyar villages in Katha has been dug up with backhoes. With fighting already disrupting transportation, this road is the main route people rely on to connect Kachin State’s capital, Myitkyina, with Mandalay, the largest city in central Myanmar,” he said. Residents said the Tigyaing–Katha Road had previously been closed and was only reopened in May. Most passenger buses and cargo trucks operating between Mandalay and Myitkyina depend on the route. However, an unidentified group has damaged the road, rendering it impassable. “This road was only reopened in May. Now it has been dug up with backhoes. We still do not know which group carried out this sabotage. Because of the damage, neither passenger buses nor cargo trucks can pass at all,” the same source added. It has not yet been independently verified which group was responsible for the destruction, and no organization has claimed responsibility. The damage has further complicated travel between Mandalay and Myitkyina. In addition, many vehicles traveling to and from Katha are stranded on the section linking the town with Nabar Village in Indaw Township. Vehicles have also been left stranded in villages along the Meza–Nantthea–Indaw Road. Since late June, many vehicles have remained stuck on the route for days. Some passengers have been forced to wait for several days before continuing their journeys, while others eventually turned back after concluding they could no longer afford to wait. Some cargo trucks have also failed to deliver goods on schedule, resulting in losses of perishable products. Truck drivers are also facing mounting financial pressure as fuel and food expenses continue to rise while they remain stranded. The Mandalay–Myitkyina Union Highway is one of Kachin State's most important trade corridors and primary supply routes for goods transported from mainland Myanmar. Locals and drivers warned that disruptions to trade, freight transport, and civilian travel are likely to persist as long as the damaged sections remain unrepaired and the security situation in the area remains volatile.