A total of 250 additional CCTV cameras will be installed around the Shwedagon Pagoda, bringing the total to 650, to strengthen security and maintain discipline. Plans are also being explored to improve parking facilities for visitors.
The matter was raised by U Nay Lin Tun, Minister of Information, Relief and Religious Affairs of the Yangon Region government, in response to a question from U San Kyaw, a Yangon Region Hluttaw representative from the Hline Township Constituency 2, on the second day of the third regular session of the Third Yangon Region Hluttaw, held on 14 August.
According to vehicle entrance-fee data for Shwedagon Pagoda, approximately 2,800 private vehicles and taxis enter the pagoda on weekdays, while about 7,300 private vehicles and taxis enter on weekends and approximately 8,000 on festival days. The minister explained that 10 parking areas have currently been arranged at the pagoda’s four archways, providing space for a total of 523 private vehicles and taxis on a rotating basis. Visitors are charged K300 for private vehicles and K500 for taxis as entry fees.
Due to security and traffic-related concerns, a decision was made at a disciplinary meeting in November 2021 that taxis would no longer be allowed to enter through the southern archway. Taxis are required to leave immediately after dropping off passengers at the pagoda area, and similar restrictions apply at the other archway. However, Hluttaw Representative U San Kyaw pointed out that taxis are not allowed to park within the pagoda compound or at the southern archway, resulting in persistent traffic congestion in front of the Jade Pagoda Dhamma Hall. He called for the expansion of parking areas for private vehicles and taxis so that pilgrims can pay homage without difficulty.
Regarding the plan to expand parking areas raised in the question, the Hluttaw Speaker said that every possible effort should be made, in consultation with the Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees, to ensure that visitors do not face difficulties.
Regarding security at the pagoda, Minister U Nay Lin Tun said, “We have installed 400 CCTV cameras on the ground. After installing an additional 250 CCTV cameras, a total of 650 CCTV cameras will be in operation to enhance security at Shwedagon Pagoda.” — TWA/MKKS