An insurgent group planted and detonated a landmine under Bridge No 65 on the Bago–Mawlamyine railway, damaging the structure and halting train operations, according to Myanma Railways.
The blast occurred at around 11:15 pm on 5 May under a 60-foot-long bridge located between Hninpale and Taungsoon stations near milepost 112/10–11 in Bilin Township, Mon State. Following the explosion, two iron beams collapsed, a river pier was destroyed, and several sleepers were damaged.
Authorities and security personnel who rushed to the scene found an unexploded handmade mine and related materials on the bridge.
As a result of the damage, Myanma Railways suspended services between the two stations. Yangon-Mawlamyine-Yangon passenger trains No 81 Up and No 82 Down were temporarily halted, and passengers who had bought tickets were given refunds.
Myanma Railways officials said repair crews are now working to restore the damaged bridge and track section as quickly as possible to resume normal operations.
Since February 2021, insurgents have carried out 81 landmine attacks on railways and station compounds, 176 attacks targeting railway bridges and rails, and 16 arson incidents against station buildings and staff housing.
Officials say these acts are intended to disrupt state-owned locomotives, rail infrastructure and the safe travel of both passengers and freight. Despite repeated sabotage, the government says it remains committed to improving the country’s rail transport system and ensuring public safety and smooth logistics.
— MNA/KZL
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