Myanma Railways has begun operating 5 Up, and 6 Down express passenger trains on the Yangon-Mandalay route using modern air-conditioned DEMU train sets to improve travel convenience for the public.
Track upgrading works on the Yangon-Toungoo section were completed with a Japanese ODA loan, while the Toungoo-Nay Pyi Taw and Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay sections were upgraded with state funds. As a result, train speeds have increased and journey times have been reduced.
Inauguration ceremonies were held at the Yangon Railway Station and Mandalay Railway Station yesterday morning, attended by regional chief ministers, the deputy minister, officials, and residents. The trains departed at 6 am from both Yangon and Mandalay.
The DEMU train consists of six carriages — four first-class and two upper-class — with a capacity of 312 passengers. Ticket fares for the full journey are K34,000 for first class and K48,000 for upper class. The trains stop at nine stations, including Bago, Toungoo, Pyinmana, Nay Pyi Taw, Yamethin, Thazi, and Kyaukse.
The journey now takes about 10 hours, significantly reduced from the previous travel time of around 19 hours, due to improved tracks, modern signalling systems, and upgraded locomotives and coaches. MNA/KZL
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