Myanmar’s Passenger Train Services Launched on Zeepingyi–PyinOoLwin–Gokteik Route to Boost Public Travel
Mandalay, The Gulf Observer: Myanmar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications has commenced regular passenger train services on several railway routes to facilitate public travel by rail, including the Zeepingyi–PyinOoLwin–Gokteik section of the Mandalay–Lashio route.
Under the new arrangement, Battery Electric Locomotive (BEL) trains are operating between Zeepingyi and PyinOoLwin, while Rail Bus Engine (RBE) trains are serving the scenic Gokteik routes. BEL Up Train 131 runs from Zeepingyi to PyinOoLwin, and BEL Down Train 132 operates from PyinOoLwin to Zeepingyi. Meanwhile, RBE services include Gokteik 1 from PyinOoLwin to Gokteik and Gokteik 2 from Gokteik to PyinOoLwin. These services have been operating regularly every Saturday and Sunday since 19 December.
According to the schedule, BEL Up Train 131 departs Zeepingyi Station at 6:00 am and arrives at PyinOoLwin Station at 7:30 am. The Gokteik 1 RBE train departs PyinOoLwin at 8:00 am and reaches Gokteik Station at 11:30 am. The return service, Gokteik 2, leaves Gokteik Station at 12:30 pm and arrives back at PyinOoLwin at 4:00 pm. Passengers continuing their journey to Zeepingyi can board BEL Down Train 132, which departs PyinOoLwin at 4:15 pm and arrives at Zeepingyi at 6:00 pm.
On the morning of 19 December, BEL Up Train 131 departed Zeepingyi Station with 47 passengers. Upon arrival at PyinOoLwin Station, the train was warmly welcomed by departmental staff, village elders, local residents and Shan traditional dance troupes from PyinOoLwin District.
The Zeepingyi–PyinOoLwin BEL service consists of one upper-class passenger coach, two ordinary-class coaches and one brake coach. Ticket fares are set at K5,000 for ordinary class and K10,000 for upper class for a one-way journey.
On the same day, the PyinOoLwin–Gokteik–PyinOoLwin RBE service carried 62 passengers. During the journey, passengers enjoyed scenic views of Pwekauk, Wetwun and Samse. The train also stopped at Nawnghkio Station, where local residents welcomed the service to mark its inaugural trip.
After reaching Gokteik Station, passengers crossed the iconic Gokteik Bridge, enjoying panoramic views of forests, mountains, rivers and caves, and capturing photographs of the landmark. The train later returned to PyinOoLwin Station, followed by the continuation of BEL Down Train 132 to Zeepingyi.
The Ministry announced that these train services will continue to operate every weekend. The round-trip fare for the PyinOoLwin–Gokteik–PyinOoLwin route is K15,000 per passenger. Tour companies and travel agencies may also charter an entire RBE train for groups of 24 passengers at a cost of K30,000 per person, amounting to K720,000 for a round trip.
According to official instructions from the Head of State, the PyinOoLwin–Zeepingyi route has been launched using a Battery Electric Locomotive with a horsepower of 1,600, manufactured by the New Locomotive Assembly and Manufacturing Factory in Nay Pyi Taw. The PyinOoLwin–Gokteik–PyinOoLwin route is operated using RBE trains to enable passengers to fully experience the natural beauty of the region.
