Hundreds of trucks stranded on India-Arakan trade route due to heavy rain

By Admin 04 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

4 May 2026, Paletwa, Chin State

Continuous heavy rainfall in recent days has caused severe road damage along the India-Arakan trade route, leaving hundreds of cargo trucks stranded near the border.

As rain continues, hundreds of merchants from Arakan State remain stuck on the Chay Khone Village section of the Shinletwa road in Paletwa Township near the Indian border, facing significant losses and damage to their goods.

“We have been stranded here for about a week because we cannot descend due to the rain. Some have been stuck here even longer. While dry goods are not a concern, perishable items like onions and other vegetables are rotting and being discarded. We are waiting to see if travel becomes possible, but we still cannot move. It is also impossible to hire any vehicles,” a merchant from Kyauktaw said.

Merchants said approximately 150 cargo trucks and about 200 traders are unable to return to Arakan State, leading to increasing losses of perishable goods. They warned that prolonged delays could result in significant financial losses for the business community.

“Currently, we are stranded in an area between Shweletwa and Shinletwa villages where there are no restaurants or shops nearby. I have about K80 million worth of perishable goods with me. For some traders, their entire stock has already rotted,” another merchant from Kyauktaw said.

Since November 2023, local residents have primarily relied on the Indian trade route due to blockades imposed by the regime.

The main India-Arakan trade route runs along the Paletwa-Shinletwa-Lawngtlai-Siaha road section. While travel is faster during the summer, merchants frequently face difficulties in the rainy season due to landslides and road damage.

Additionally, arrests made by the Arakan Army under the National Defense Emergency Provision have affected India-Arakan trade, contributing to rising commodity prices in the region.