Myanmar Railways to Launch Modern DEMU Train Service on Key Routes

Yangon, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Transport and Communications, through Myanmar Railways, has announced the launch of a new modern train service connecting Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw. The service, set to commence on 28 February, will feature air-conditioned Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains imported from Japan.

The newly introduced train sets will operate on four key routes: Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw (No 7), Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon (No 8), Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw (No 28), and Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay (No 27). The Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw service will depart from Yangon station at 6:00 am, arriving in Nay Pyi Taw at approximately 11:30 am. The return service from Nay Pyi Taw to Yangon will leave at noon, reaching Yangon at 5:30 pm. Similarly, the Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw service will depart Mandalay at 6:00 am and arrive in Nay Pyi Taw at 11:00 am, with the return journey from Nay Pyi Taw departing at noon and reaching Mandalay at 5:00 pm.

Each train set will consist of four first-class coaches, two upper-class coaches, and a total of six carriages. The Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw route will accommodate 312 passengers, while the Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw route will have a capacity of 330 passengers. Ticket prices for the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw and Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon routes are set at K19,000 for first class, K28,000 for upper class, and K7,000 for ordinary class on the Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw and Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay routes. For the full Yangon-Mandalay route, ticket prices will be K26,000 for first class and K39,000 for upper class. Tickets will be available for purchase three days in advance.

Passengers will have the convenience of transferring between the DEMU trains and air-conditioned trains at Nay Pyi Taw station. Along the Yangon-Mandalay route, trains will make scheduled stops at Bago, Pyu, Toungoo, Nay Pyi Taw, and Thazi stations, with a total travel time of approximately 11 hours, including station stops. The Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon route will take about five and a half hours.

The introduction of these modern DEMU trains is expected to enhance passenger comfort and improve railway services along these critical transportation corridors in Myanmar.