- Travel Time Matrix from Yangon
- Railway Companies and Consortia
- Capacity Table
- Key Route Information
- Key Stations
- Regional Railway Assessments
Generally, the trains do not run on time and are not much used for freight. Myanmar Railways (MR) does not accept liability for damage to cargo in transit, therefore it is recommended to transport cargo by rail through third party freight forwarders or transporters. Since MR rents out most freight cargo capacity in advance to private transporters monthly, it is difficult to get freight capacity directly from MR.
Railway transportation should be considered as last resort only if road transportation is temporary inaccessible/cut-off due to disaster or unstable situation. It is not recommended for emergency response situation or for cargo transportation in general as there are other faster alternatives.
The railway network is divided by MR into 11 administrative divisions. In lower Myanmar, to the South the main line starts in Yangon and ends at Dawei, Tanintharyi. Freight can only be transported until Mawlamyine due to the mountainous terrain. In upper Myanmar, to the North the main line runs from Yangon via Nay Pyi Taw to Myitkyina, in Kachin State. This line to Myitkyina is used more frequently for freight by private transporters because it is less costly than road transportation. In its current state, the railway network anchors to two mains stations: Yangon Central and Mandalay Central with most routes are single track.
After many years of inadequate railway system or network development since its first inauguration in May 1877 (rail track between Yangon to Pyay), the railway network expansion, under the responsibility of the Ministry of Rail Transportation and operated by state-owned Myanmar Railways (MR), has been expedited in the last 2 decades. Its network nearly doubled since 1988, with a total route length of 6110.481 km (single route 5405.285 km and double route 705.196 km) in December 2019. The Myanmar railway network is mainly narrow gauge (1,000 mm ~ meter-gauge). This expansion however has not been followed by proper and adequate maintenance work. Approximately 60% of railway infrastructure, including locomotives and coaches are generally in poor condition, which has restricted freight train operating speed and made train rides uncomfortable because of poor tracks and bridge conditions. Some tracks are not passable during the monsoon season. There are no rail links to adjacent countries and the status of planned cross-border rail connections to China, India, and Thailand, as well as the Thanbyuzayet-Three Pagoda pass connection remains uncertain. In 2013- 2014 fiscal year, 60 m passengers and 2.5m tons were transported, using 397 passenger trains/day and 25 freight trains/day. The rail capacity includes 384 locomotives, 1,600 passenger coaches and 3,600 freight wagons.
Overview of Myanmar Railway as of December 2019
The government has plans to improve the quality of the Yangon-Mandalay-Myitkyitna and the Bago-Mawlamyine section. There are existing plans to build a high-speed railway to connect Kunming in Southwest China with Vietnam, Lao PDF, and Myanmar, respectively. Construction on the section connecting to Myanmar, the Dali-Ruili railway, began in May 2011 and is scheduled to take six years, but there is no progress still in 2020.
There is no rail link between Myanmar and India with the Moreh-Tamu-Kalay line is in the proposal stage. [1]
A list of railway line upgrade projects in Myanmar are presented below (source: presentation of Ministry of Transport and communications in the 2019 Asia PPP Practitioners’ Network Conference, Nov 2019).
Lower Myanmar |
||
---|---|---|
Line |
Route |
Notes |
Yangon-Mandalay |
Yangon-Bago-Nay Pyi Taw-Thazi-Mandalay |
In frequent use |
Yangon-Dawei |
Yangon-Bago-Mawlamyine-Dawei |
No freight Mawlamyine to Dawei |
Yangon-Bagan |
Yangon-Letpadan-Taungdwinggyi-Bagan |
Older line, compared to parallel line via Nay Pyi Taw |
Yangon-Pathein |
Yangon-Letpadan-Pathein |
LetPadan to Pathein in disuse |
Upper Myanmar |
||
---|---|---|
Line |
Route |
Notes |
Mandalay-Mytkyina |
Mandalay-Sagaing-Shwebo-Myitkyina |
In frequent use |
Mandalay-Lashio (Northern Shan State Railway) |
Mandalay-Pyinoolwin-Kyaukme-Hsipaw-Lashio |
In use |
Mandalay-Taunggyi |
Mandalay-Thazi-Taunggyi |
Not in use |
Mandalay-Thazi |
Mandalay-Thedaw-Dahuttaw-Hanza-Ywapale-Thazi |
In use |
Monywa-Pakokku |
Monywa-Khinu-Mandalay-Pakokku |
In use |
Mandalay-Kale |
Mandalay-Sagaing-Monywa-Pakokku-Kale |
Not in use |
Pakokku-Thazi |
Pakokku-Taungtha-Meiktila-Thazi |
In use (central West–East) |
Sittwe - Mrauk-U |
Sittwe-Mrauk-U |
Since 2013. Not connected to the main railway network |
For more information, please see the following link: 4.9 Myanmar Railway Company Contact List
Travel Time Matrix from Yangon
|
Time |
Distance |
---|---|---|
Nay Pyi Taw |
9 hours |
233 mile /372km
|
Mandalay |
14 hours |
370 mile /595km
|
Myitkyina |
30 hours |
724 mile /1165 km |
Railway Companies and Consortia
There are no private railway companies in Myanmar. MR is the sole railway enterprise in the country.
4.2.1 Myanmar Government Contact List
Capacity Table
|
Operator / Company |
---|---|
Operates on (lines) |
Myanmar Railway (MR) |
Max train length and/or pulling capacity |
unknown |
Locomotives (electric/diesel/steam) |
Diesel |
Freight Wagons (covered) / size |
GBHV-36 tons |
Freight Wagons (flatbed) / size |
WBY, WBYB – 30 tons WBXV – 36 tons SMBV – 36 tons |
Freight Wagons (high-sided)/size |
NA |
Freight Wagons (drop-side)/size |
NA |
Key Route Information
|
Route A Yangon - Naypyidaw |
Route B Naypyidaw - Mandalay |
Route C Mandalay - Myitkyinar |
---|---|---|---|
Track gauge |
1 meter |
1 meter |
1 meter |
Ruling gradient |
Nil |
Nil |
NA |
Total track distance (single and/or double) |
Single |
Single |
Single |
Type of rail (weight and if welded or not) |
Joint Connection |
Joint Connection |
Joint Connection |
Type of sleeper and fastenings |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Total track travel time |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Maintenance (Good, marginal, bad) |
Marginal |
Marginal |
Marginal |
Companies-consortiums operating online |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly/daily) |
Daily |
Daily |
Daily |
Security (Good, marginal, bad) |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Main stations (Add details below) |
Bago-Taungoo |
Tharzi |
Khin U-Indaw |
Key Stations
Key Station Information |
|||
---|---|---|---|
|
Bago |
Naypyidaw |
Mandalay |
Location |
Bago Division |
Naypyidaw Division |
Mandalay Division |
Contact Information |
U Thaung Htike, 052 21508 |
U Aung Myint Hlaing, General Manager, Naypyidaw, 067 77014 |
U Myint Thein (Dept. Station Master) Tel: 09-429339636, 02-35069 |
Connections with other transport means (road/waterways/air) |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
Storage Capacity |
No warehouses |
NA |
NA |
Handling Equipment |
No Equipment |
No Equipment |
No Equipment |
Handling Capacity |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Other Comments |
Bago is a big town, well developed and from Yangon to Mandalay and Yangon to Mawlamyine route traffic must pass this town. |
Naypyidaw is the capital of Myanmar and located between the Yangon to Mandalay route |
Mandalay has an international airport and newly established Myitnge Dry Ports run by Kerry Terminal Logistics and RG Logistics Co., Ltd. And, Mandalay is central point to flow good and services of Upper Myanmar. |
Yangon Circular Railway
Yangon Circular Railway is a railway line for local commuters, which serves the Yangon metropolitan area. Operated by Myanmar Railways, the 45.9-kilometre (28.5 mi) 39-station loop system connects satellite towns and suburban areas to the city. The railway has about 200 coaches, runs 20 times a day and serves 85,000 to 100,000 passengers daily. Based on 2019 data, the journey took around 2 hours and 50 minutes. Myanmar Railway and JICA have jointly financed an upgrade project with the aim to increase traffic to 260,000 passengers daily and cut down travel time by an hour once the circular railway is upgraded. This upgrade is also an initial step towards reducing road traffic by increasing the transport market share of Myanmar Railways for daily commuting within Yangon Metropolitan area. The project began in 2018 and is scheduled to be completed in 2022.
The service hours are from 3:45 am to 10:15 pm daily. The cost of a ticket for a distance up to 15 miles is 100 kyats (~nine US cents), and for trips over 15 miles is 200 kyats (~18 US cents).
Myanmar Railway Schedule (Passengers trains attached with cargo train)
Below table is the passenger train schedule. Cargo wagons can be attached to passenger trains along the routes.
It is recommended to check with Rail Road department for every trip to confirm schedule and it can be possible to check out for update on Myanmar Railway social media pages (Facebook page) and government official websites.
https://www.railways.gov.mm/en_US/train-schedule/
Yangon - Mandalay Line
Train |
Yangon |
Bago |
Taungoo |
Pyinmana |
Thazi |
Mandalay |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
arrival |
departure |
arrival |
departure |
arrival |
departure |
arrival |
departure |
arrival |
departure |
arrival |
departure |
|
1 UP |
- |
04:00 |
05:56 |
06:11 |
13:20 |
13:40 |
16:08 |
16:18 |
21:45 |
00.05 |
03:30 |
- |
2 DN |
19:30 |
- |
16:08 |
16:55 |
09:01 |
09:21 |
05:50 |
06:00 |
23:59 |
00:09 |
- |
19:15 |
3 UP |
- |
15:45 |
17:45 |
17:55 |
21:30 |
22:00 |
00:30 |
01:00 |
05:30 |
06:00 |
09:00 |
- |
4 DN |
21:30 |
- |
19:09 |
19:12 |
14:03 |
14:13 |
11:49 |
11:52 |
08:17 |
08:20 |
- |
05:30 |
5 UP |
- |
15:00 |
17:00 |
17:30 |
22:00 |
22:30 |
01:30 |
02:00 |
05:00 |
05:45 |
07:30 |
- |
6 DN |
20:10 |
- |
17:49 |
17:52 |
13:08 |
13:18 |
10:58 |
11:01 |
07:45 |
07:48 |
- |
05:00 |
9 UP |
- |
08:30 |
10:28 |
10:43 |
17:56 |
18:51 |
21:30 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
10 DN |
17:45 |
- |
14:46 |
15:01 |
07:25 |
07:55 |
- |
04:30 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
11 UP |
- |
05:00 |
06:48 |
06:50 |
11:47 |
11:57 |
14:22 |
14:25 |
17:45 |
17:48 |
21:00 |
- |
12 DN |
22:00 |
- |
19:32 |
19:35 |
14:39 |
14:49 |
12:20 |
12:23 |
09:01 |
09:04 |
- |
06:00 |
31 UP |
- |
08:00 |
09:47 |
09:50 |
14:12 |
14:15 |
16:30 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
32 DN |
13:45 |
- |
11:29 |
11:32 |
06:57 |
07:00 |
- |
05:00 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Mandalay - Myitkyina Line
Train |
Mandalay |
Shwebo |
Kawlin |
Naba |
Mohnyin |
Myitkyina |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
arrival |
departure |
arrival |
departure |
arrival |
departure |
arrival |
departure |
arrival |
departure |
arrival |
departure |
|
37 UP |
- |
11:30 |
13:30 |
13:45 |
17:30 |
17:50 |
20:55 |
21:10 |
24:00 |
00:15 |
06:30 |
- |
38 DN |
08:00 |
- |
04:02 |
04:22 |
23:42 |
23:47 |
20:17 |
20:27 |
17:27 |
17:30 |
- |
12:00 |
55 UP |
- |
16:00 |
19:30 |
19:45 |
24:00 |
00:15 |
02:45 |
03:00 |
06:00 |
06:15 |
11:15 |
- |
56 DN |
05:00 |
- |
01:43 |
01:45 |
20:32 |
20:42 |
16:20 |
16:30 |
13:10 |
13:20 |
- |
07:00 |
57 UP |
- |
08:45 |
11:10 |
11:35 |
15:35 |
16:00 |
19:30 |
19:45 |
22:55 |
23:15 |
04:00 |
- |
58 DN |
12:10 |
- |
09:02 |
09:04 |
04:20 |
04:25 |
00:29 |
00:34 |
22:12 |
22:17 |
- |
15:30 |
Regional Railway Assessments
Mon State and Thanintharyi Region
The railway network in Myanmar is divided in 11 divisions. The railway network in Mon state and Thanintharyi region are included in Division 8. This railway line starts from Yangon and ends at Dawei in Thanintharyi. Between Ye and Dawei, the railway track has steep inclines and therefore freight trains cannot reach Dawei, only passenger trains run on this line. Myanma Railways (MR) was planning to extend this railway line further South from Dawei to Myeik, but this extension been put on hold due to budget constraints.
Distance (Mile) and Travel Time (Hour) Matrix
Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (Hours / Days) |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yangon |
Mawlamyine |
Ye |
Dawei |
Yangon |
|
176.25 miles/ |
276.25 miles/ |
376.25 miles/ |
Mawlamyine |
176.25 miles/ |
|
100 miles/ |
200 miles/ |
Ye |
276.25 miles/ |
100 miles/ |
|
100 miles/ |
Dawei |
376.25 miles/ |
200 miles/ |
100 miles/ |
|
Capacity Table
All trains can travel to Mawlamyine and Ye, but only passenger service train that reaches Dawei due to steep inclines of the railway.
Rail Operator Capacity (Myanmar Railways) |
|
---|---|
Operates on (lines) |
Yangon to Dawei (Division 8) |
Max train length and/or pulling capacity |
370 miles (Yangon to Dawei) |
Locomotives (electric/diesel/steam) |
Diesel |
Freight Wagons (covered) / size |
GBHV-36 tons |
Freight Wagons (flatbed) / size |
WBY,WBYB – 30 tons WBXV – 36 tons SMBV – 36 tons |
Freight Wagons (high-sided)/size |
NA |
Freight Wagons (drop-side)/size |
NA |
Key Route Information
|
Route A Yangon to Mawlamyine |
Route B Mawlamyine to Ye |
Route C Ye to Dawei |
---|---|---|---|
Track gauge |
1 meter |
1 meter |
1 meter |
Ruling gradient |
Nil |
Nil |
1/25, 1/40 |
Total track distance (single and/or double) |
Single |
Single |
Single |
Type of rail (weight and if welded or not) |
Joint Connection |
Joint Connection |
Joint Connection |
Type of sleeper and fastenings |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Total track travel time |
10 hours |
6 hours |
9 hours |
Maintenance (Good, marginal, bad) |
Marginal |
Marginal |
Marginal |
Companies-consortiums operating online |
None |
None |
None |
Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly/daily) |
Daily |
Daily |
Daily |
Security (Good, marginal, bad) |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Main stations (Add details below) |
Bago, Kyaik Hto, Tha Htone, Paung |
Than Phyu Zayat, Nit Kayin, La Mine |
Kan Kaw Taung, Kalar Yaung, Yay Phyu |
Key Stations
Key Station Information |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bago |
Mawlamyine |
Dawei |
|
Location |
Bago Division |
Mon State |
Tanintharri Division |
|
Contact Information |
U Thaung Htike, 052 21508 |
U Tin Soe Win, 057 22850 |
NA |
|
Multi-modal Connections (road/waterways/air) |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
|
Storage Capacity (sqm and cubic meters) |
No warehouse |
No warehouse |
No warehouse |
|
Handling Equipment |
No Equipment |
No Equipment |
No Equipment |
|
Handling Capacity: MT / Hour, TEU / Hour |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Other Comments |
Limited cargo is transported by Myanma Railways because MR does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of freight in transit. |
Kawlin and Sagaing Region
The Kawlin railway station is under the Ywa Htaung Division-2, on the main track of Myitkyina-MyoHoung (MDY). The volume of freight by rail reduces on this line after the road conditions improve and the number of truck increases in the area.
Distance and Travel Time Matrix
Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (Hours / Days) |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kawlin |
Wun-tho |
Indaw |
Katha |
Myit-kyina |
Kan- balu |
Ywa-Htaung |
Myo-Haung (MDY) |
Kawlin |
|
45km/ 23m |
120km/ 4h |
143km/6h20m |
314km/ 12h20m |
41km/ 2h13/ |
195km/ 5h35m |
213km/6h40m |
Wun-tho |
45km/ 23m |
|
75km/ 3h37m |
98km/ 5h57m |
269km/ 11h57m |
85km/ 2h36m |
239km/ 5h58m |
258km/ 7h3m |
Indaw |
120km/ 4h |
75km/ 3h37m |
|
23km/ 2h20 |
194km/ 8h20m |
161km/ 6h13m |
315km/ 9h35m |
333km/ 10h57m |
Katha |
143km/ 6h20m |
98km/ 5h57m |
23km/ 2h20 |
|
219km/10h35 |
184km/8h33m |
338km/ 11h55m |
356km/13h17m |
Myit-Kyina |
314km/ 12h20m |
269km/ 11h57m |
194km/ 8h20m |
219km/10h35m |
|
354km/14h33m |
508km/ 17h38m |
526km/ 19h |
Kan-balu |
41km/ 2h13 |
85km/ 2h36m |
161km/ 6h13m |
184km/8h33m |
354km/14h33m |
|
154km/ 3h5m |
172km/ 4h27m |
Ywa-Htaung |
195km/ 5h35m |
239km/ 5h58m |
315km/ 9h35m |
338km/11h55m |
508km/17h38m |
154km/ 3h5m |
|
18km/ 1h22m |
Myo-Hong (MDY) |
213km/6h40m |
258km/ 7h3m |
333km/ 10h57m |
356km/13h17m |
526km/19h |
172km/ 4h27m |
18km/ 1h22m |
|
|
Capacity Table
Rail Operator Capacity (Myanmar Railways) |
|
---|---|
Operates on (lines) |
Ywa Htaung (Division2) Myitkyina (Division1) |
Max train length and/or pulling capacity |
30 Mt (psg) + 48-Mt (parcel) for 12 axles |
Locomotives (electric/diesel/steam) |
Diesel/hydraulic hybrid |
Freight Wagons (covered) / size |
GBHV 4 axle-32 tons net |
Freight Wagons (flatbed) / size |
n/a |
Freight Wagons (high-sided)/size |
11 m x 2.6 m x 3.2 m |
Freight Wagons (drop-side)/size |
N/A |
Key Route Information
On many sections of the line, there is a common issue of water erosion and land subsidence causing foundation of trestles to erode which results in unevenness and dips in the rails. On sections where these conditions are present, trains must slow down to avoid accidents and derailing.
Standard Route Information |
|||
---|---|---|---|
|
Route A Myo-Houng-(MDY)-YwaHtang-Kanblu-Kawlin-Indaw-Naba-Myitkyina |
Route B YeU-KhinU |
Route C Katha-Naba |
Track gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
Ruling gradient |
1 in 25 ft (Bon-Chaung, Nan Khan, Naba) |
0 ft/ 300ft |
1 in 25 ft |
Total track distance (single and/or double) |
Single track |
Single track |
Single track |
Type of rail (weight and if welded or not) |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Type of sleeper and fastenings |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Total track travel time |
19-hour drive |
1-hour drive |
1hour 50 min drive |
Maintenance (Good, marginal, bad) |
Fair, water erosion |
Fair |
Fair |
Companies-consortiums operating online |
MR only |
MR only |
MR only |
Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly/daily) |
Daily |
Daily |
Daily |
Security (Good, marginal, bad) |
Good (60%) |
Good |
Good |
Main stations (Add details below) |
Myohaoung, Shwebo, Kawlin, Naba & Myitkyina |
Khin-U |
Naba |
Key Stations
Key Station Information |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kawlin |
Wuntho |
Katha |
Kanbalu |
Ye-U |
Location |
23°47'29.51"N 95°40'42.25"E Kawlin |
23°54'0.43"N 95°41'31.97"E Wuntho |
24°10'37.09"N 96°20'14.27"E Katha |
23°12'14.67"N 95°30'53.17"E Kanbalu |
22°45'6.33"N 95°24'56.23"E Ye-U |
Contact Information |
U Zaw Min Tun (Dty. SM) 09-258988188 U Khin Zaw (Dty. Supervisor) |
Myint Thein (Station master) Tel: 09-43015978 |
U Kyaw Win (SM) Tel:09-402737423 |
U Tin Ko (SM) Tel: 075-27050 / 27024 |
U Zaw Naing Soe (SM) Tel:09-792960497/ 075-40256
|
Multi-modal Connections (road/waterways/air) |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
Storage Capacity (sqm and cubic meters) |
225sqm/ 900cub m, suitable for temporary use as no good ventilation |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Handling Equipment |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
Handling Capacity: MT / Hour, TEU / Hour |
Manual only, Available from Tsp labor exchange office |
Manual only, Available from Tsp labor exchange office |
Manual only |
Manual only |
Manual only |
Other Comments |
Limited cargo is transported by Myanma Railways because MR does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of freight in transit. Another factor is due to availability of other means of transport which can reach or trade door to door between buyers and seller for common informal trade activities in the area. |
|
Kawlin and Wuntho rail stations are used to be busy for timber
delivery to Yangon/Mandalay and for local paddy and noodle
transportation to Myitkyina. However, after many heavy trucks were
imported and operational in Myanmar in the recent years, the rail
freight service share dropped more than 70%. up to only two train
wagons traffic is operational on weekly basis. Yangon-Myitkyina or
Mandalay-Myitkyina trains will have to stop at Kawlin when flash
flood occurs, which is quite frequent during the rainy season.
Kawlin station area is on a higher ground than other parts of town
and generally it is safe from risk of
flooding.
Indaw and Kanbalu station are minor stations on the main track of MyoHoung-Myitkyina (MDY) and there is no regular cargo wagon passing through. This line used to be busy for paddy and rice transportation for local growers and traders until road transportation becomes an alternative option for them.
Katha station (South) is the final station on the line that connects to the main track of Myitkyina-Myohoung (Mandalay) at Naba with a small block of passenger trains run in between. No freight wagon operational on this track. The Katha station (North) is no more in use as the rail track heading to Singan under Shwegu township of Kachin state is no longer operational due to poor construction and inefficiency compared to other available transportation means.
Ye-U Station is a less popular and except one bus and local train running for ferry, the line is no longer used for cargo wagon. It is one of the stations in the middle of Shwebo-KhinU track.
Kayah and Southern Shan State
The Loikaw railway station relates to one of the main stations at Tarzi Station and it is under Kalaw Division-4 which comprise of stations along Southern Shan and Kayah State. Among them, Aungban and Lawksawk are active station with cargo and passengers.
Distance (KM) and Travel Time (Hours) Matrix
Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (Hours / Days) |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Loikaw |
Pekon |
Pinlong |
Aungban |
Kalaw |
Tharzi |
Loikaw |
|
36km/ 2h10m |
86km/ 5h30 |
163km/ 10h30m |
174km/ 11h25m |
275km/ 18h15 |
Pekon |
36km/ 2h10m |
|
50km/ 3h20m |
128km/ 5h |
139km/ 1h5m |
239km/ 16h50m |
Pinlong |
86km/ 5h30 |
50km/ 3h20m |
|
78km/ 1h40m |
89km/ 5h55m |
189km/ 12h45m |
Aungban |
163km/ 10h30m |
128km/5h |
78km/ 1h40m |
|
11km/ 1h5m |
122km/ 7h35 |
Kalaw |
174km/ 11h25m |
139km/ 1h5m |
89km/ 5h55m |
11km/ 1h5m |
|
101km/ 6hour30h |
Tharzi |
275km/ 18h15 |
239km/ 16h50m |
189km/ 12h45m |
122km/ 7h35 |
101km/ 6hour30h |
|
Note: Banking locomotive is required for two points in between Kalaw and Tharzi. |
Capacity Table
Rail Operator Capacity (Myanmar Railways) |
|
---|---|
Operates on (lines) |
Kalaw/Aungban (Division 4) |
Max train length and/or pulling capacity |
6 Mt (psg) + 28 Mt (parcel) |
Locomotives (electric/diesel/steam) |
Diesel/hydraulic hybrid |
Freight Wagons (covered) / size |
GBHV 4 axle-32 tons net |
Freight Wagons (flatbed) / size |
n/a |
Freight Wagons (high-sided)/size |
11(m)x2.6(m)x 3.2(m) |
Freight Wagons (drop-side)/size |
NA |
Key Route Information
On many sections of the line, there is a common issue of water erosion and land subsidence causing foundation of trestles to erode which results in unevenness and dips in the rails. On sections where these conditions are present, trains must slow down to avoid accidents and derailing.
Standard Route Information |
|||
---|---|---|---|
|
Route A |
Route B |
Route C |
Track gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
Ruling gradient |
1 in 40 ft |
1 in 40 ft |
0 ft/ 300ft |
Total track distance (single and/or double) |
Double track |
Double track |
Double track |
Type of rail (weight and if welded or not) |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Type of sleeper and fastenings |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Total track travel time |
275 Km to Tarzi in 18hours15min (15Km per hour in Average) |
217 Km to Tarzi in 14hours (16Km per hour in Average) |
490km/16hours30 min to Yangon (30Km per hour in Average) |
Maintenance (Good, marginal, bad) |
Fair |
Fair |
Good |
Companies-consortiums operating online |
MR only |
MR only |
MR only |
Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly/daily) |
daily |
daily |
daily |
Security (Good, marginal, bad) |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Main stations (Add details below) |
Aungban and Tharzi |
Aungban, Tharzi and Yangon |
|
Key Stations
Key Station Information |
|||
---|---|---|---|
|
Loikaw |
Aungban |
Taunggyi |
Location |
19°39'58.16"N 97°13'11.61"E Loikaw |
20°39'14.54"N 96°37'56.41"E Aungban |
20°44'51.99"N 97° 3'5.75"E Taunggyi |
Contact Information |
U Kyaw Naing Station Master) Tel: 09-779846923 |
U Khin Maung Yi (Station master) Tel: 075-60144 |
U Thant Zin (SM) Ph# 09-788314015 U Kyaw Naing Win (ASM) 09-793900942 |
Multi-modal Connections (road/waterways/air) |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
Storage Capacity (sqm and cubic meters) |
54 sqm/ 600 cub m, there is no proper walling, it can be only used for temporary |
54 sqm/600cub meter. It is now being used as staff house |
n/a |
Handling Equipment |
None |
None |
None |
Handling Capacity: MT / Hour, TEU / Hour |
Manual only, no standby labor |
Manual only, 10 daily laborers standby |
Manual only, no standby labor |
Other Comments |
Limited cargo is transported by Myanmar Railways because MR does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of freight in transit. Another factor is due to availability of other means of transport which can reach or trade door to door between buyers and seller for common informal trade activities in the area. |
Loikaw is an end-station. It connects to the main track at Aungban
station. Only one scheduled train operates between Loikaw station
and Tharzi station, while the Lawsawk station has regular scheduled
direct train service up to Yangon. The Namsang and Mongnai was
completely closed from Kalaw Division-4. Another station called
Taunggyi station only operates one daily round-trip service between
Taunggyi and Saikaung for 66 Km to serve local vegetable vendors.
No other train service connects to main track of Aungban/Kalaw.
The ticket fare of ordinary class is MMK 2,300 per person and the first class is MMK3,100 from Loikaw to Tarzi. Freight charges for cargo is MMK 13.74 Ks from Loikaw to Tharzi.
Bago, Naypyitaw and Magway region
Distance and Travel Time Matrix
Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (Hours / Days) |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yangon |
Bago |
Taungoo |
Pyinmana |
NayPyitaw |
Taungdwingi |
Yangon |
|
74.8 km / 1hour 45mins |
202.8 km / 6hour 15mins |
362.2 km / 8hour 40mins |
375 km / 9 hours |
412km / 12hour30m |
Bago |
74.8km / 1hour45m |
|
128 km/ 4h30m |
287.4 km / 6h55m |
300.2 km / 7h15m |
different route |
Taungoo |
202.8 km / 6hour15m |
128 km/ 4hour 30m |
|
159.4 km / 2hour 25m |
172.2 km / 2hour 45m |
different route |
Pyinmana |
362.2 km / 8hour40m |
287.4 km / 6h55m |
159.4 km / 2h25m |
|
12.8km / 20min |
different route |
Naypyitaw |
375 km / 9 hours |
300.2 km / 7h15m |
172.2km / 2h45m |
12.8km /20min |
|
120km / 4hour15m |
Taungdwingi |
412km / 12hour30m |
different route |
different route |
different route |
120km / 4hour15m |
|
Capacity Table
Rail Operator Capacity |
|
---|---|
|
Operator / Company Myanmar Railway (MR) |
Operates on (lines) |
Mandalay (Division 3) Sagaing (Division 10, 2) Magway (Division 11) Bago (Division 6) |
Max train length and/or pulling capacity |
500 MT, for uphill 300MT (Shan state) |
Locomotives (electric/diesel/steam) |
Diesel/hydraulic hybrid Diesel/electric hybrid |
Freight Wagons (covered) / size |
GBHV 4 axle-31 tons net |
Freight Wagons (flatbed) / size |
WBY, WBYB – 28 tons net WBXV – 28 tons SMBV – 31 tons |
Freight Wagons (high-sided)/size |
36 ft 6 inch by 8ft 6 inch |
Freight Wagons (drop-side)/size |
NA |
Key Route Information
On many sections of the line, there is a common issue of water erosion and land subsidence causing foundation of trestles to erode which results in unevenness and dips in the rails. On sections where these conditions are present, trains must slow down to avoid accidents and derailing.
Standard Route Information |
|
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Route A Yangon-Bago-NayPyitaw |
Route B Magway-Taungdwingyi-Pyimina |
Route C Yangon-Aunglan-Bagan-Pakokku |
Route D Yangon-Pyay |
Track gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
Ruling gradient |
0 ft/ 300ft |
0 ft/ 300ft |
1ft/ 60ft |
1ft/ 60ft |
Total track distance (single and/or double) |
Double track |
Double track |
Double track |
Double track |
Type of rail (weight and if welded or not) |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Type of sleeper and fastenings |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Total track travel time |
1h45m Yangon to Bago |
83km/3hour45m to Taungdwingyi, 203km/8hours to Naypyitaw |
318km/ 8hour Yangon to Aunglan 259km/ 9hour:25m to Bagan, 32 km/1hour 20 min to Pakokku |
258km/ 6hour Yangon Pyay |
Maintenance (Good, marginal, bad) |
Fair. Area before Bago can get flooded |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Companies-consortiums operating online |
MR only |
MR only |
MR only |
MR only |
Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly/daily) |
Express 3x/day Local 2x/day Cargo 2x/day |
Express1x/day to NayPyitaw |
Express2x/day 1 express to NayPyitaw |
Express 1x/day 1 express to Pyay, cargo 2x/day |
Security (Good, marginal, bad) |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Main stations (Add details below) |
Bago, Tangoo, Pyinmana |
Magway, Taungdwingyi, Lewe, Pyimana, Naypyitaw |
Yangon Shwedaga (Pyay), Aunglan, Nyaung-U |
Tharyarwaddy |
Note:
Upgrade work funded by ADB and European Investment Bank on the railway line between Yangon-Pyay are expected to commence in 2021 and is scheduled to finish in 2024. Currently, this is the busiest link in the country representing 75% of total passenger traffic.[2]
Key Stations
Key Station Information |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Bago |
Taungoo |
Pyinmana |
NayPyitaw |
Taungdwingyi |
N17 20’ 04.7”, E96 28’ 31.7”, Bago |
N18 56’ 06.3”, E96 26’ 15.2”, Taungoo |
N19 44’ 09.6”, E96 12’ 23.7”, Pyinmana |
N19 50’ 53.5”, E96 11’ 44.0”, Naypyitaw |
N20 00’ 07.4”, E95 32’ 25.9”, Taungdwingyi |
U Sein Win Tun (Dept. Station Master) Tel: 052-2221508 ,09454700447 |
U Kyaw Moe Lwin (Station master) Tel: 09-402660745, 067-23308 |
U Nyint Thein (Station Master) tel: 067-22508, |
U Khin Thaw (Station Master) tel: 09-797397910, 067-77133 |
U Hla Yi |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
Used by Shwe Than Lwin co. (railway maintenance) 36x15m. No other storage |
24x12m, opposite station at 2 disused rails, can be accessed from roadside |
Storage on platform 2/3 |
Storage available: 12x12m. |
Storage available 7x7m, limited cargo is being handled |
none |
None |
None |
Cargo dolly’s |
None |
Manual only |
Manual only, 10 daily laborers |
Manual only |
Manual only |
Manual only |
Limited cargo is transported by Myanma Railways because MR does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of freight in transit. |
Key Station Information |
|||
---|---|---|---|
|
Aunglan |
Pyay |
Magway |
Location |
N19 20’ 57.0”, E95 13’ 30.4”, Aunglan |
N18 49’ 12.5”, E95 12’ 59.3”, Pyay |
N20 07’ 23.3”, E94 56’ 31.8”, Magway |
Contact Information |
U Aung Naing Htay (Station Master) Tel: 09-777901775 |
U Soe Hla (Dept. Station Master) Tel: 09-09401588815 |
U Tin Thein (Station Master) Tel: 09-256041457 |
Multi-modal Connections (road/waterways/air) |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
Storage Capacity (sqm and cubic meters) |
None. Limited cargo is being handled |
10x20m at station, handle mostly luggage. |
None |
Handling Equipment |
None |
none |
None |
Handling Capacity: MT / Hour, TEU / Hour |
Manual Only |
Manual only |
Manual only |
Other Comments |
|
Pyay is an end-station. |
Magway is an end-station |
Pyay is an end-station. It connects at Shwedaga station to the line from Yangon to Nyaung-U. The distance between Pyay to Shwedaga is only 3 miles. From Pyay station, there are direct trains to:
- Pyay - Yangon: 161 miles / 8 hours.
- Pyay - Naypyitaw: 160.2 mi / 10hour 30min.
- Frequency: Express to Naypyitaw 1/day, to Yangon 1/day.
Railway station Pyay
Storage Pyay Station
Picture (left): Railway station Bago
Picture (right): Railway station Taungoo
Picture (left): Storage Taungoo station
Picture (right): Storage Naypyitaw station
Picture (left): Railway station
Naypyidaw
Picture (left): Railway station Pyinmana
Picture (right): Railway station Taungdwingyi
Picture (left): Railway station Aunglan
Picture (left): Railway station Magway
Mandalay and Sagaing region
Distance and Travel Time Matrix
Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (Hours / Days) |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yangon |
Naypyitaw |
Nyaung-U |
Pakokku |
Mandalay |
Monywa |
Yangon |
|
375 km / 9 hours |
579 km / 17.5 hours |
613 km / 18.5 hours |
629 km / 14 hours |
739 km / 22.3 hours |
Naypyitaw |
375 km / 9 hours |
|
254 km / 6 hours |
320 km / 11 hours |
254 km / 6 hours |
420 km / 12 hours |
Nyaung-U (Bagan) |
579 km / 17.5 hours |
254 km / 6 hours |
|
33.8 km / 1 hour |
192.7 km / 7.5 hours |
133 km / 5.5 hours |
Pakokku |
613 km / 18.5 hour |
320 km / 11 hours |
33.8 km / 1 hours |
|
174 km / 5.5 hours |
99.7 km / 4.5 hours |
Mandalay |
629 km / 14 hour |
254 km / 6 hours |
192.7 km / 7.5hours |
174 km / 5.5hours |
|
109.4 km / 4.8 hours |
Monywa |
739 km / 22.3 hour |
420 km / 12 hours |
133 km / 5.5 hours |
99.7 km / 4.5 hours |
109.4 km / 4.8 hours. |
|
Note: The destinations from Mandalay to locations in regions North East such as Myitkyina, Lashio, Kalaw are not included in this matrix. |
Capacity Table
Rail Operator Capacity (Myanmar Railway) |
|
---|---|
Operates on (lines) |
Mandalay (Division 3) Sagaing (Division 10, 2) Magway (Division 11) |
Max train length and/or pulling capacity |
500 MT, for uphill 300MT (Shan state) |
Locomotives (electric/diesel/steam) |
Diesel/hydraulic hybrid Diesel/electric hybrid |
Freight Wagons (covered) / size |
GBHV 4 axle-31 tons net |
Freight Wagons (flatbed) / size |
WBY, WBYB – 28 tons net WBXV – 28 tons SMBV – 31 tons |
Freight Wagons (high-sided)/size |
36 ft 6 inch by 8ft 6 inch |
Freight Wagons (drop-side)/size |
NA |
Key Route Information
On many sections of the line, there is a common issue of water erosion and land subsidence causing foundation of trestles to erode which results in unevenness and dips in the rails. On sections where these conditions are present, trains must slow down to avoid accidents and derailing.
Standard Route Information |
|||
---|---|---|---|
|
Route A Yangon-NayPyiTaw-Mandalay |
Route B Yangon-Nyaung-U-Pakokku |
Route C Pakokku-Mandalay |
Track gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
Ruling gradient |
1 ft/ 300ft |
1 ft/ 300ft |
1 ft/ 300ft |
Total track distance (single and/or double) |
Double iron, between Pleik and Myinge a bridge is built, single track until July 2016 |
Single iron |
Single iron |
Type of rail (weight and if welded or not) |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Type of sleeper and fastenings |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Total track travel time |
14 hours Yangon to Mandalay |
7.5 hours Yangon to Nyaung-U |
7.5 hours Nyaung-U to Mandalay |
Maintenance (Good, marginal, bad) |
Fair, water erosion |
Good |
Good |
Companies-consortiums operating online |
MR only |
MR only |
MR only |
Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly/daily) |
4 per day, (3 express) |
1 per day |
Currently Suspended |
Security (Good, marginal, bad) |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Standard Route Information |
|||
---|---|---|---|
|
Route D |
Route E Mandalay-Monywa |
Route F Mandalay to Myitkyina |
Track gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
1-meter, middle gauge |
Ruling gradient |
0 ft |
0 ft |
|
Total track distance (single and/or double) |
Single iron |
Single iron. |
Single iron |
Type of rail (weight and if welded or not) |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Joint Connection, 39ft each |
Type of sleeper and fastenings |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Cobar (China), ABC |
Total track travel time |
|
4hour 50min |
|
Maintenance (Good, marginal, bad) |
Fair, water erosion |
Marginal, water erosion |
Fair, water erosion |
Companies-consortiums operating online |
MR only |
MR only |
MR only |
Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly/daily) |
1 per day |
5 per day to Myitkyina |
6 per day to Myitkyina |
Security (Good, marginal, bad) |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Main stations (Add details below) |
Bagan, Taungdwin |
Mandalay, Sagaing, Shwebo, Khin-U, Monywa |
Shwebo |
Route B: Nyaung-U station is on the line from Yangon, via Bagan to Pakokku, daily trains. There are also 2 x daily trains from Nyaung-U to Mandalay.
Route E: From Mandalay there is a loop to Monywa. From Khin-U the line continues North to Myitkyina (Kachin State). There are five express trains per day from Shwebo to Myitkyina and 2 local trains per day. There are three destinations from Monywa: Mandalay, Pakokku, Khin-U. From Monywa to Pakokku, one day-trip train operates daily.
Route D: Pakkoko-Naypyitaw: The line connects at Sathwar to the main line from Yangon to Naypyitaw. Quality of the rail track is relatively good, but this line is only used for passenger service. Cargo for Pakokku will be routed via Mandalay. From Pakokku to Kyaw (94 miles to the westward), a small passenger train operates on daily basis.
Route Pakkoku to Kale: This route is interrupted due to landslides at the tunnel of Bon Nyar hill between Kyaw and Yae Myat Ni (for 33.8 km) and at Kanbani bridge between Gangaw and Kale station, 50 km from Kale. Only passenger trains operate between Pakokku to Kyaw and between Yae Myat Ni and Gangaw and between Gangaw and Kale. Kanbani bridge was repaired in 2016 and government is constructing new bridge to replace the old one, however, the line between Kyaw and Yae Myat Ni is not planned to be repaired. For this reason, Pakokku to Kale is not recommended as a key route.
Key Stations
Key Station Information |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mandalay |
Monywa |
Shwebo |
Nyaung-U |
Pakokku |
Location |
Mandalay 21°58'37.87"N, 96° 5'9.51"E |
Monywa 22° 06' 56.4"N, |
Shwebo 22°34'59.79"N, 95°41'39.14"E |
Nyaung-U 21°09'15.24"N, 94°56'06.02"E |
Pakokku 22°21'40.91"N, 95°06'33.42"E |
Contact Information |
U Myint Thein (Dept. Station Master) Tel: 09-429339636, 02-35069 |
U Ko Oo (Dept. Headmaster) |
U Hla Zaw One Tel: +95-75-21029 |
U Nyan Tint (Dept. Station Master) Tel: +95-9-794860552 +95-9-782824372 |
U Soe Min (Station Master), Tel:95-9-978270611/ 062-22068 |
Multi-modal Connections |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
Road only |
Storage Capacity |
None, only RRD site. |
Yes 13x8m, roof damaged |
10x8=80 sq.m. |
No storage. |
No storage |
Handling Equipment |
Can handle 40ft containers |
Manual labor only |
Manual labor only |
Manual labor only |
Manual labor only. |
Handling Capacity |
4-8 TEU/ hour |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
Other Comments |
Limited cargo is transported through rail freight because MR does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of freight in transit. |
Cargo Terminal, Mandalay
Cargo from and to Yangon is being handled at Myo Houng Railway terminal in Mandalay (21° 56' 12.3"N, 96° 04' 55.4"E) near the RRD warehouses about 2 miles from Mandalay main station, close to the old airport. There is a covered cargo terminal used for manual transshipment to trucks and a yard with an operational gantry crane of 40MT & 16MT capacity, which can handle 20ft and 40ft containers (21° 56' 11.8"N, 96° 05' 12.7"E). Container traffic is unfortunately remaining low in volume.
A newly established Myitnge Dry Port also offers Freight train cargo by Myanmar Railway. It runs 2 times a week between Mandalay Myitnge Dry Port and Yangon Ywar Thar Gyi Dry Port route using a total of 27 wagons with max loading capacity at 32 tons / wagon (Wagon Payload Dimension: Max width 8’, height 8’6”, length 40’).
For more info, please kindly visit Myitnge Dry Port. https://www.rglogisticsmm.com/mdy-dry-port
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/how-poor-rail-connectivity-is-acting-as-a-hindrance-to-indias-act-east-policy/articleshow/71665523.cms
[2] https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/making-inroads-infrastructure-projects-pipeline-are-aimed-improving-national-and-regional