The 146th Anniversary of Myanma Railways under the Ministry of Transport and Communications took place in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
Speaking at the event, State Administration Council member Deputy Prime Minister Union Minister Admiral Tin Aung San said Myanmar started running the first railway line on 1 May 1877 on the 161-mile Yangon-Pyay section. The name was changed to Burma Railway Company, Railways Board, and Railway Corporation over the years, and on 1 April 1989, the name was changed from Railway Corporation to Myanma Railways. During the 146-year journey of Myanma Railways, various systems have changed, but it still meets the country’s requirements for transport due to the perseverance and dedication of the Myanma Railways staff who carried out diligent work.
The country has over 3,800 miles of railway network with 960 stations to date and a total of 42 trains—18 express trains, 10 mail trains and 14 passenger — trains offering services on Yangon-Mandalay, Yangon-Mawlamyine, Yangon-Pyay-Bagan, Mandalay-PyinOoLwin, Nay Pyi Taw-Kyaukpadaung-Bagan, Thazi-Shwenyaung, Pathein-Kyangin and Taunggyi-Saikhaung sections while 35 Yangon circular trains in Yangon.
During the term of SAC, it filled 209,481 holes with ballasts, replaced 201,693 concrete sleepers and 45,000 wooden sleepers and 2,423 new rails.
He added that the railways play a key role in the country and the trains use the one-fourth to the one-sixth of the fuel that the cars use for the same amount of cargo and distance, so, it can reduce air pollution and impact on the environment. In certain countries, trains are mainly used as public transportation.
He then talked about the directives made by the Prime Minister regarding the train transportation sector and urged the staff to ensure the safe and smooth transport of passengers and goods in line with the motto of the Ministry of Transport and Communications “Transport and Communicate for the benefits of the people”.
Next, the deputy prime minister, the deputy minister and relevant officials presented awards and certificates to the outstanding officers/staff for their outstanding performance. — MNA/KTZH
