The Mandalay-Shweku bus fare has nearly doubled: A local resident of Mandalay said that small passenger vehicles will begin test runs to Shweku town in Kachin State on August 30, and the fares have nearly doubled. Previously, the fare for this trip was only 120,000 kyats, but now the fare from Mandalay to Shweku has increased to as much as 320,000 kyats.

It is known that the roads between Indaw and Mottama have been closed due to ongoing fighting in Kachin State. As a result, travelers from Mandalay to Shweku will have to take detour routes, causing an increase in transportation costs, according to a Mandalay bus line official.

‘Our small vehicle association will conduct trial runs on different routes. Due to the situation, we have to use detour routes, which is why the prices have gone up. We will take the route through Maung Kone as well. I heard that we have to cross the river with ferries on that side. It costs around 400,000 kyats per crossing,’ said a driver operating on the Mandalay-Shweku route.

Furthermore, due to restrictions on vehicle entry and exit in Bhamo town, passengers traveling to Bhamo can only travel by boat from Shweku, the driver added.

Local residents reported that clashes between the military and KIA armed groups are occurring between Bhamo and Momauk towns, and that the roads from Indaw and Mottama leading to Shweku town are also closed.