The main trade route on the Indo-Myanmar border, the Tingalui River Bridge is being reconstructed as of November by the junta authorities. It is situated on the road to Tiau and Rih, connecting Falam Township.

The bridge is being reconstructed again this month after the regime had stopped construction work in September 2008. The bridge is 120 feet in length.

"Now they are trying to finish the work left undone in September," he added.

This bridge is situated half a mile from Tiau River.

The authorities have estimated that it would cost Kyat 1000 lakhs to construct the bridge and TheinYan assistant engineer from Yangon is supervising the work.

The work has to be finished in 2010 and all materials like iron, cement among others have to be purchased from India.

Actually, the construction work was being mainly done by prisoners of Lentlang, Tidim Township last September. But the work was stopped because of financial constraints.

After a meeting regarding border trade with the Indian government, the Myanmar regime is taking takes step to reconstruct the main road as well as the bridge between Tiau – Rih and Falam.

But the bridge construction will only benefit Indian and Myanmar governments. It will be of little use to Chin people, said Mr. Thet Ni, an official of the Chin National Front.

"There will be no benefits for the Chin people as the junta is constructing the bridge only for its own interest as there is an agreement an with the Indian government," he added.

Now the main Indo-Myanmar trading road is Tiau – Tidim to Kalemyo, but it is very difficult to travel along it in the rainy season and accidents are frequent.

Following an agreement between India and Myanmar governments border trade is on along the Moreh – Tamu Road on the Manipur side and the Zokhawthar – Tiau River in Mizoram. Now they are trying to open two border trade zones as early as possible.