Pedestrian access to Dala Bridge to remain losed due to public misconduct

Yangon Region Government says there are no plans to allow pedestrians to use the walkways on the Myanmar–Korea Friendship Bridge (Dala Bridge).

Pedestrian access to the Myanmar–Korea Friendship Bridge (Dala Bridge) will remain prohibited due to repeated acts of misconduct by the public, Yangon Region Minister for Electricity, Energy, Industry and Transport Dr. Myo Thaw said.

He made the remarks on October 23 in response to a question raised by U Than Oo, a Yangon Region Hluttaw representative for Dala Township, regarding plans to allow the public to walk along the bridge’s pedestrian walkways.

U Than Oo said allowing people to walk across the bridge would provide health benefits, reduce waiting times for vehicles and help commuters save money on transportation. He also suggested installing CCTV cameras to improve safety and enable authorities to take action against individuals who violate the rules, ensuring that the misconduct of a few would not deprive law-abiding members of the public of their rights.

The Myanmar–Korea Friendship Bridge (Dala Bridge) is a four-lane bridge measuring 6,127 feet in length and 57 feet in width. It has pedestrian walkways measuring 6.5 feet wide on both sides and was officially opened on February 6, 2026.

However, following its opening, incidents of misconduct by some bridge users were widely circulated on social media, accompanied by photographs and criticism. According to Dr. Myo Thaw, these included walking on vehicle lanes, crossing from one side of the bridge to the other amid moving traffic, littering, discarding used drink bottles, spitting betel juice and deliberately blocking the bridge’s drainage outlets with containers used for betel spit.

Some pedestrians were also reported to have stopped vehicles on the bridge to take photographs and videos, causing further concerns over public safety and discipline.

The minister said such behaviour could damage the country’s image and national dignity. He also warned that allowing unrestricted pedestrian access could create opportunities for acts of sabotage and pose security risks.

As a result, barriers were installed at the pedestrian walkway entrances and exits on September 2, 2026, and security personnel were deployed to prevent people from using the walkways, he said.

“Therefore, there are currently no plans to make arrangements for members of the public to walk along the pedestrian walkways of the Myanmar–Korea Friendship Bridge (Dala Bridge),” Dr. Myo Thaw said in his response through the Hluttaw Speaker.

During the parliamentary session, U Than Oo also pointed out that despite the substantial investment required to construct Dala Bridge, residents of Dala Township were unable to fully enjoy its benefits.

He stressed that individuals who violate the rules should be held accountable for their actions, adding that the misconduct of one person should not result in the loss of rights and opportunities for the wider public.