Myanmar
2.4 Myanmar Railway Assessment
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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
Number

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
Number

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/
10 hours

276.25 miles/
16 hours

376.25 miles/
19 hours

 Mawlamyine 

176.25 miles/
10 hours


100 miles/
6 hours

200 miles/
15 hours

Ye 

276.25 miles/
16 hours

100 miles/
6 hours


100 miles/
9 hours

Dawei 

376.25 miles/
19 hours

200 miles/
15 hours

100 miles/
9 hours


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

 

  • Katha Station connects with the main track at Naba Station and no direct rail operates for it.  
  • Depending on the locomotive and the interval waiting time, the travel time between points may vary.


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
No standby labor

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
Loikaw-Aungban-Tarzi

Route B
Lawksawk-Yangon

Route C
Tarzi-Yangon

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
height 10ft 6 inches

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
no cargo trains

Express2x/day

1 express to NayPyitaw
no cargo trains

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
(station master) tel: 09-250 544 185 / 063-50374

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
More cargo activity as Naypyitaw station

Storage available: 12x12m.
But less cargo activity as Pyinmana station

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
Normally limited cargo is being managed

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
height 10ft 6 inches

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
Pakokku-NayPyiTaw

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.
76.75 mi/
5hours. 1 train/day

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,
95° 08' 11.3"E

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)
Tel: 09-400546525

U Hla Zaw One
(Dept. Station Master)

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

 

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