Arakan State conflict has travelers ditching roadways in favor of water routes

By Khaing Roe La 05 Jan 2020

Khaing Roe La | DMG
4 January, Sittwe

Travellers are increasingly opting for waterways over land routes as they make their way around Arakan State, where active armed conflict and tightened security have made overland options less appealing, according to U San Maw Thein, manager of Shwe Pyi Tan Express Boat Service in Sittwe.

“[Taking the] motorway delays our trip due to clashes or checkpoints,” said Ko Zaw Thet Khaing, one such commuter who has adjusted his transportation strategy. “We need to arrive at our destination on time because our trip is for business. That’s why I mostly use waterways. It is safer than motorways also.”

During recent holidays, ferry tickets have sold out on occasion, leaving some would-be travelers with difficulty finding a waterborne public transportation option, despite both state-owned and privately owned ferry services being in operation.

Boat services primarily run from the Arakan State capital Sittwe to Rathedaung, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon, Kyaukphyu, Rambree and Taungup townships.

As fighting broke out in Myebon Township on January 2, about 30 vehicles that had departed from Sittwe were trapped for several hours near Yaw Chaung Bridge in Myebon Township, a passenger said.

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