A Potential rail link between Burma and India

Myanma Railways operates an extensive metre-gauge rail network, but at present there are no international links. A rail link between India and Burma was mooted as far back as 1899, but a railway linking the two countries has never been built. Indian Railways is building a line in Manipur State from Jiribam to Imphal, with plans to extend it to Moreh on the India/Burma border. Myanma Railways has plans for a line from Tamu (across the border from Moreh) to Mandalay, but construction of such a line is not imminent. The proposed line would possibly run from Tamu to Kalaymyo and then to Segyi to join the existing line from Kin U to Monywa. The current line from Segyi goes to Monywa and thence to Mandalay via Chaung U. The issue of gauge is important, as Indian Railways operates a predominantly broad-gauge network (1,676mm). A dual-gauge line from Moreh/Tamu to Mandalay is one option. There are strong economic arguments in favour of a rail link between India and Burma, particularly relating to the export of pulses from Burma to India. The presentation will conclude with some brief comments on the current state of Myanma Railways.