Ledo highway to be constructed in Myanmar's northernmost state

Construction of the Ledo Highway project that links China and India will begin in Myanmar's northernmost Kachin state starting this month with the cooperation of Chinese regional authorities, Kachin State Chief Minister U La John Ngan Hsai told Xinhua here in an interview Friday.

Kachin state borders with Baoshan and Dehong counties of Tengchong district in China's southwestern Yunnan province.

As part of Kachin's development efforts, the project will be constructed in two phases under a build-operate-transfer system with Baoshan regional authorities and local companies, he said.

For the first three years, the project will cover construction of the road section between Myitgyina and Danaing, while for the second three-year phase will be the section between Da Naing and Panhsauk, he disclosed.

Coordination is also being made with Dehong regional authorities for the building of another section between Lwejie and Momauk, he added.

With regard to the availability of electricity in the state, he cited Tarpein-1 and Chipwe hydropower plants, which are implemented with the cooperation of China.

Electricity produced from 99-megawatt Chipwe hydropower plant is mainly used for Myitgyina, the state's capital, and areas such as Waingmaw, Mogaung and Mohnyin.

Moreover, 10.5 megawatts of power is also available from Pukha company's Malikha hydropower plant.

Electricity consumption for Kachin state stands between 25 to 30 megawatts and more power lines are being added to increase power usage for the state which will contribute to further development of the region, he added. Endi