A Potential rail link between India and Myanmar: An analysis of economic feasibility, geopolitical importance and political obstacles

This article examines the potential for a rail link between India and Myanmar. India is building a line from Jiribam to Imphal in the state of Manipur. This line will be extended to Moreh on the border with Myanmar. Myanma Railways has plans for a line from Tamu (on the border) to Mandalay, with the preferred route being via Kalaymyo, Segyi and Monywa. The possible transport of pulses by rail to India from Myanmar is discussed. From the Indian government’s perspective, there are pressing geopolitical reasons for this line to be built, and this led to the Indian Railways Board in January 2022 approving a final survey of the line from Imphal to Moreh. The 2021 military coup in Myanmar and the role of China with respect to its relations with Myanmar are discussed in the context of this proposed rail link.