In recent days, residents have reported that China has initiated ground surveys for the Kyaukphyu-Mandalay railway project, which will link Kyaukphyu Township in Rakhine State, the site of China's special economic zone and deep-sea port area situated in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
In recent days, a team of Chinese nationals carried out measurements of the train route markers in villages between Sa-ne town and Ma-ei town in Ann Township, according to residents.
"They arrived two days ago with two vehicles. They mentioned they were surveying land for the railway and conducting GPS measurements," stated a resident from Sa-ne town, Ann Township. In late August, a team of Chinese nationals, accompanied by police security guards, conducted measurements of road mileage in villages close to Kyaukphyu Township and Ma-ei town, according to residents.
At the Military Council Economic Committee meeting on August 25 this year,Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated, "We are diligently progressing with the construction of the railway linking Kyaukphyu Deep Sea Port to Mandalay, and upon its completion, it will significantly enhance the transportation of goods."
The junta leader urged for the swift implementation of these projects, emphasizing that the railway would play a crucial role in the country's development.
Social activists stress that, while the railway project is expected to enhance regional transportation, it must be executed in a manner that safeguards local farmlands.
"We understand the potential advantages of building this railway. However, it's vital to ensure that farmers and local residents are fairly compensated for their land. We are concerned about the possibility of locals facing hardships," said a social activist from Ann Township.
The Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, the deep-sea port, and other international investment projects have faced criticism for their limited benefits to local residents.
Ko Khaing Oo from the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone monitoring group expressed concern, stating, "Chinese projects typically do not give priority to the welfare of local residents. It seems their main focus is on serving their own interests with this railway project."
During a period of ongoing nationwide military conflict, it is deemed unlikely that the Military Council will proceed with foreign investment projects, including the railway.
DMG reached out to U Hla Thein, spokesperson of the Rakhine State Military Council, for information on the railway's implementation, but he has not responded to our inquiries.
The Kyaukphyu-Mandalay railway project holds significant importance for the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, facilitating direct trade between Mandalay and Kyaukphyu via Muse in Northern Shan State, connecting to Kunming, China.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was initially signed between the two governments in 2011 during U Thein Sein's administration. However, the MOU was halted in 2014 as its terms were not renewed.
In 2019, during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Myanmar, the railway project was one of the 33 contracts signed between the two governments.
The Kyaukphyu-Kunming railway project is a part of the Chinese government's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the entire project is projected to have a cost of US$8.9 billion.
Similarly, with regards to the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone project in Rakhine State, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA/SIA) study has been carried out, and the Military Council is currently in the process of preparing for the project's implementation
