By Hlaing / MPA

Due to ongoing armed conflicts in Hpakant Township, Mohnyin District, Kachin State, the transportation fees for routes from Hpakant to Myitkyina and Hpakant to Mandalay have significantly increased, according to travelers and drivers.

Since 7 September 2024, intensified clashes between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the State Administration Council (SAC) Army have resulted in the destruction of approximately 400 houses in the Sine Taung, Lon Khin, and Mashikataung wards of Hpakant. Over 5,000 local residents have fled to nearby areas for safety. Consequently, transportation costs have surged as well.

“Locals began fleeing Hpakant around 20 September. Only a few people stayed behind to look after their houses. During that time, it was impossible to rent private cars. The fare from Hpakant to Myitkyina has risen to around 200,000 kyats per person due to the high demand for transportation,” a male who fled from Hpakant to Myitkyina told MPA.

“Since many people are fleeing from Hpakant to Myitkyina, transportation fees have increased. Additionally, hotels are fully booked, and hotel room prices range between 30,000 and 50,000 kyats. Internet services are still unavailable,” said Ma Lin, a local resident of Myitkyina.

Previously, the fare from Hpakant to Myitkyina was 60,000 kyats per person, the fare from Hpakant to Mandalay was 200,000 kyats, and the fare from Hpakant to Mogaung was 150,000 kyats. However, the current rates have increased to 200,000 kyats for Hpakant to Myitkyina, 300,000 kyats for Hpakant to Mandalay, and 200,000 kyats for Hpakant to Mogaung.

“From early 2024, the fare for the Myitkyina to Hpakant route was 60,000 kyats. Now, in October, the rates vary daily, reaching between 150,000 and 200,000 kyats,” said a 20-year-old woman who had lived in Hpakant.

From 16 August, 2024, to 3 October, 2024, clashes occurred between resistance forces and SAC Armyn in Indaw town, located on the strategic Mandalay-Myitkyina Highway near the upper Sagaing Region and Kachin State border. As a result, passenger buses are now using only the Indaw bypass route.

“While fleeing from Hpakant, we had to pass through KIA, People Defense Force (PDF), and SAC Army checkpoints before reaching Indaw. Depending on the intensity of the clashes, the journey could take four to five days. Previously, traveling from Mandalay to Myitkyina took only one or two nights,” said a traveler who used this route.

Currently, travelers going from Hpakant to Yangon or Mandalay must use the Indaw bypass route. Passenger buses are no longer operating, and only private vehicles are being used, according to drivers.

“The Indaw bypass route is not accessible for large trucks or passenger buses. Right now, the fare from Hpakant to Mandalay is 300,000 kyats per person. If someone rents a full AD Van, it can cost up to 2,000,000 kyats. Only small vehicles can make the trip,” said a 40-year-old male driver operating on the Hpakant to Mandalay route.

Drivers have stated that transportation costs have risen due to the ongoing clashes throughout Myanmar and a threefold increase in fuel prices since the military coup.

Since 7 March 2023, the KIA has intensified its offensives throughout Kachin State. On the Myitkyina-Hpakant road, the KIA has taken control of the military council’s bases in Wungkau, Wungkau Police Station, Nantain, Tarmakhan, Kathoen Mountain, and Tansone Mountain. Additionally, on August 15, 2024, they seized strategic locations in Larmaung and Taungmaw hilltops in Hpakant Township.