Transport Reforms Can Pave Way for

Myanmar's Sustainable Growth

News Release | 25 October 2012

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NAY PYI TAW, MYANMAR - Myanmar's fragmented and under-resourced transport

sector needs a top-to-bottom overhaul to meet an expected boom in demand for quality
roads, railways, airports and transport services in coming years, says a new Asian
Development Bank (ADB) study.

"For the benefits of Myanmar's anticipated growth to truly reach people in all corners of
the country, its network of roads, railways, inland waterways and airports will need a
coordinated path to improvement," said James Lynch, Director of the Transport and
Communications Division in the Southeast Asia Department at ADB. "This is vital not
only for the country's development, from the cities to the remote rural areas, but also to
transform the country into a land bridge linking Southeast Asia and South Asia."

Amongst the country's many pressing development concerns, transport remains a top
priority since building and upgrading roads ― especially in rural communities and
isolated border areas where 70% of the population live ― will lay the foundation for
sustainable and inclusive growth.

The study shows that while Myanmar has managed to keep its core network of roads in
reasonable condition, less than half of the country's main roads are paved for all-
weather conditions. Outside main urban centers, less than 10% of secondary roads are
all-weather, posing a serious barrier to accessing essential services, markets and
economic opportunities.
The railway sector also faces significant challenges, with over a quarter of the country's
fleet of 400 locomotives more than 40 years old. Consequently, the 375 km trip between
the economic capital of Yangon and the political capital of Nay Pyi Taw takes almost
twice as long by rail - nine hours - as by road.

The study recommends restructuring the complex and overlapping institutional structure
that impedes effective transport sector management, stepping up targeted investments
in roads, railways, and ports, bringing tariffs for government-controlled transport
services closer to commercial levels, and gradually reducing the state's very dominant
role in the sector.

The study also calls for the government to carry out full cost benefit analyses on
potential transport projects to determine which will bring the most immediate and lasting
benefits for the nation as a whole. ADB, which ceased operations in Myanmar in the
1980s, is now working with government to provide analytical studies, policy advisory
services and capacity building support to strengthen the role of transport in contributing
to the country's economic and social development.