YA-AN TO LI-MA HIGHWAY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T04743A000200020012-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 26, 2004
• Sequence Number: 12
• Publication Date: September 12, 1963
• Content Type: MF

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Chief, CIA/EID (i PIC)
SUBJECT
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Yw-un to Li-ma Bighvay
7 iCR
t
l Requirement No. ORR/3C2f
t
C
01/63
2)
Projec
No.
3
This mewl ndm is in resp ns. to the referenced requirement requ.stings
a. The preparation of text and maps indicating the alignment and
condition or the =ad from Ya-an (29 39N - 103 05E) to L3-as (28 2411 -
97 o4B) and any roa4s leading frc this r=te to the Fine-In$isa Border.
b.. Indicate any roa a in the area which appear to be Under
construction or recently completede
c. Describe any roads leading from China to India.
2. That portion of the study from Ya-an (29 59N - 103 05E) to Chamdo
(31 09N - 97 172) has been answered by memoraa`ndm number IB 222/63, 2 September
1963 (Project C 447/63), which has already been completed and tremitted to
your oftJ.ce. The remaining portion from Cbaamdo to Li-may (Rims) 28 24N - 97 045
is shown on asp CIA/PID/IB-P-469/63 the description of its condition is as
9611owst
a.. Chsamdo to 1Uu (29 30N - Ski 479)
(1) This section is a two-lase graded road '25X1
with a natural. (each) aurf'scs which b".50" reinforced with
broken stones,
b04/&./26 Cl4-RDP78T04743A000200020012-8
~ir:si.r ~ r.u
I8 No. 2 63
12 September i963
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(2) Bridges observed appear to have . been constricted to support
heavy vehicular trraffYO. Most long bridges observed were deck.
girders constructed of concrete.
(3) Grades and a axV* t appeared to be relatively light between
Cb io and Bonds 0 (30 14N - .97 25E)# except for the Poda Pass
(30 34N ,. 97 20E) where many heavy grades aazd nuaaexous sharp curves
and switchbacks occur. Between Bomda 0 and Rau the terrain is
rugged. Here traffic encounters numerous sections with heavy grate,
sharp curves and switchbacks. The total distance between Cdasido
and Lt-dada is approximately 300 miles-
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.Approved For Release'2004103/26 : CIA=RDP78TO4743AO0O200020012-8
 Approved For Release 20(~4/i 1~,.c.. 3/ 6 : CIA.
11Lrvrii+~
BUB: $? Tomen to Li-ass Highway
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k. This proje . is considered to be coagpletee.
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S. Pau to Li-ms (WAM)
(1) This roads proceeding southward from riaax through riven
v .eeys, is en improved road and generally keeps its width of
apprc imatel * 0 to Dz ,chung (28 35N + 97 1M). Beyond
Dzacbung the road quickly disintegrates into a very narrov road,
little better than a sack-anii l trail., The road continues south
through Lima to the border area. Beyond the border, there is no
evidence of a road. Sauthe astyard from Lt .ma, an improved road
follows a stream approximately five miles to the border.
(2) The section of road between Rau and.Dzachung is Improved
and appears to maintain a two-lam width. The surface of 25X1
the road does not appear as smooth as face of the B schv"
Rigbway and, the toad doer. not appear to be graded. The bridges do
not appear to be constructed to susta the heavy loads as does the
Szechwan Highway. Between Dzachung and Li.+aar som streau u are
rosoe by man of a ford. Grades on this road are relatively light,
as it generally traverses river va .eys.
3. T h e photo WIS: at on this project vas whoa my be 25X1
+e acted shcauld you bav* f er guess ionat raeardfag this
pro3e~et.
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Approved For Release 2004 03/26 : CI'A-RDP78T0 43A00020002001'14-77