4 May 2026 – Continuous rainfall in recent days has severely damaged sections of the India–Paletwa trade route linking Chin State to Rakhine State, leaving hundreds of cargo trucks stranded near the border, according to local sources.
Road conditions along the Paletwa–Shin Let Wa route have deteriorated significantly, particularly near Khon village, where traders and vehicles have been stuck for about a week. Ongoing rain has halted movement, while perishable goods continue to spoil.
According to a local media outlet, Development Media Group, a trader from Kyauktaw said, “We have been stranded for about a week. Some have been here even longer. Dry goods are fine, but vegetables like onions and fruits are rotting, and we have had to throw them away. We are still waiting for the road to become passable, but so far, we cannot move, and transport is not available.”
Another trader added that many are stranded in remote areas without access to food or shelter. “We are stuck between locations with no shops or facilities. I brought goods worth hundreds of thousands of kyat, and some have already been completely lost.”
Local sources estimate that around 150 cargo trucks and approximately 200 traders are currently unable to proceed from Paletwa into Rakhine State, with losses increasing as goods deteriorate. Traders warned that prolonged delays could lead to significant financial losses.
The India–Paletwa–Rakhine trade route has become a vital supply line since late 2023, when conflict and restrictions disrupted other transport routes. While it is relatively accessible during the dry season, it often becomes impassable during the rainy season due to landslides and road damage.
Recent security measures and arrests in the region have further affected cross-border trade, contributing to rising commodity prices in local markets. – Reporting by Ben
