Myanma Railways is set to mark its 150th anniversary in 2027, and it is believed that the rail transport system, which has been in existence for nearly 150 years, should be further developed and improved beyond its current state, said President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing during his inspection tour of the new Locomotive Assembly Factory (Nay Pyi Taw) of the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department of Myanma Raiways under the Ministry of Transport in Pobbathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, yesterday morning.
Before the meeting, the President inspected efforts made for the development of the rail transport at the factory.
At the meeting hall of the factory, the President, in his speech, underscored that only when railway tracks are of sufficient quality and meet required standards can trains be operated at high speed; therefore, efforts must be made to upgrade the railway infrastructure.
In the future, he noted that it is also necessary to carry out preparatory measures to enable railway operations to be implemented in cooperation with the private sector.
He continued that efforts should be made to ensure that the public can fully rely on and confidently use rail transport.
The President pointed out that at present, due to changes in global political conditions, fuel shortages are being encountered. In such circumstances, efforts must be made to improve public transport services for the benefit of the general public.
He underscored that efforts should be continued to upgrade railway services in order to increase public reliance on the railway transport system. If transport can be made faster and more efficient, the number of railway passengers will increase. It is also necessary to ensure the continuous transport of goods along the country’s key railway lines, which are of vital importance to the nation.
He also noted that priority must be given to upgrading the Yangon-Mandalay, the Yangon-Mawlamyine and the Yangon-Pyay railway sections, adding that no matter how good the train carriages are, they will not be effective or efficient if the railway tracks are not in good condition.
He recounted that when upgrading railway lines in phases, it was previously carried out using loans from Japan. However, due to various reasons, the project was delayed, and later the upgrading works were continued using state budget.
The President stressed that the upgrading of the existing 75-pound rails is also being given priority, and plans should continue to be made and implemented to enable the use of 110-pound rails.
He gave guidance that, along with upgrading railway lines, all related infrastructure, such as station platforms, level crossings, bridges, and other possible facilities, should also be studied, assessed, and systematically upgraded. It is also necessary to ensure that platforms and train floors are level.
Moreover, the President underlined that efforts must be made to ensure systematic organization along the Yangon circular railway route, and in the future, comprehensive research and calculations should be carried out to enable the construction and use of tubes.
He continued that at present, battery electric locomotives (BEL) and battery electric multiple units (BEMU) are being constructed. In carrying out these activities, it is necessary to ensure that they are implemented in a systematic manner.
Regarding railway carriages, the President provided the following guidance that it is necessary to establish a standard that is suitable for Myanmar. In the future, if private railway operations emerge, they must also comply with the established standards.
Regarding railway line upgrading and new construction works, the President highlighted that the Yangon-Pyay section should be upgraded to a double-track line. Efforts are also being made to construct a railway line that can extend from Yangon to Mawlamyine, Ye, and Dawei. In the Ye-Dawei section, it should be developed into a route that is better than the existing line, running along the coastal area and becoming an attractive route for foreign tourists. In addition, the Pyay-Bagan railway line should be renovated and upgraded so that train passengers can travel to and visit the pagodas and ancient cultural heritage sites in the Bagan archaeological zone.
He also instructed that it is necessary to carry out upgrading works on the Zeebingyi-PyinOoLwin-Nawnghkio-Hsipaw railway line and the Thazi-Kalaw-Taunggyi-Naungka railway line, and to ensure that train services can operate regularly.
The President and party watched a documentary video clip on the progress of Myanma Railways.
Union Minister for Transport and for Digital Development and Communications U Mya Tun Oo and officials of Myanma Railways reported on construction of new railway sections, bridges and railway stations from 2021 to 2026, assembling of new locomotives, production of battery electric locomotives and running, renovation of steam locomotives, running of DEMUs, construction of locomotives and carriages, construction of the Battery Electric Multiple Unit (BEMU), repairs of railway sections and bridges, facts about the Central Institute of Transport and Communications, and attending of Tatmadaw members at the training courses conducted by Myanma Railways.
In response, the President noted that when upgrading railway lines and constructing new stations, it is necessary to carry out proper planning and calculations in advance before construction. By doing so, maintenance and repair costs can be significantly reduced. It is also necessary to restore and operate steam locomotives to attract both domestic and international tourists.
Moreover, he urged all to identify the advantages and disadvantages of operating trains using battery-powered locomotives and electric overhead line systems.
In the future, he noted that it is also necessary to carry out preparatory measures to enable railway operations to be implemented in cooperation with the private sector.
The President observed the construction of Battery Electric Multiple Unit (BEMU), Battery Electric Locomotives (BEL), and battery carriages.
He gave guidance on the construction of BEMUs to be used at the Yangon circular railway and short and long sections.
MNA/TTA
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