Rail transport in Myanmar#Lines under construction

{{main|History of rail transport in Myanmar}}

Rail transport was first launched in British Burma on 2 May 1877 with the opening of the {{convert|259|km|mi|0|adj=on}} Rangoon (Yangon) to Prome (Pyay) line by The Irrawaddy Valley State Railway.Chailley-Bert 1894: 336 Unusually for a British colonial railway, it was built to {{Track gauge|1m|allk=on}}. Subsequent development was to the same gauge, though the {{convert|80|km|mi|0}} Burma Mines Railway opened in 1906 operated on a separate {{Track gauge|2ft|lk=on}} gauge. In 1884, a new company, The Sittang Valley State Railway, opened a {{convert|267|km|mi|0|adj=on}} line along the Sittaung River from Yangon to the town of Toungoo (Taungoo) via Pegu (Bago). After the annexation of Upper Burma following the Third Anglo-Burmese War of 1885, the Toungoo line was extended to Mandalay in 1889. Following the opening of this section, the Mu Valley State Railway was formed and construction began on a railway line from Sagaing to Myitkyina which connected Mandalay to Shwebo in 1891, to Wuntho in 1893,Dautremer, Joseph (1913) Burma under British Rule (translated from Dautremer, Joseph (1912) La Birmanie sous le régime britannique: une colonie modèle Guilmoto, Paris, {{OCLC|250415892}}) T.F. Unwin, London, page 205, {{OCLC|9493684}}; [http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/joseph-dautremer/burma-under-british-rule-tua/page-11-burma-under-british-rule-tua.shtml full text pp. 194-213] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813152308/http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/joseph-dautremer/burma-under-british-rule-tua/page-11-burma-under-british-rule-tua.shtml |date=13 August 2017 }} from the online library eBooksRead.com to Katha in 1895, and to Myitkyina in 1898. Extensions into southern Myanmar began in 1907 with the construction of the Bago-Mottama line. Passengers had to take a ferry over the Thanlwin River (Salween River) to Mawlamyaing.

In 1896, before the completion of the line to Myitkyina, the three companies were combined into the Burma Railway Company as a state owned public undertaking.{{Cite journal| title = The Province of Burma: A report prepared for the University of Chicago | last = Ireland | first = Alleyne | publisher = Houghton Mifflin and Company | year = 1907 | place = Boston and New York}} In 1928, the railway was renamed Burma Railways and, in 1989, with the renaming of the country, it became Myanma Railways.

The Japanese invasion during the Second World War caused considerable damage to the rail network. In 1942, the country had {{convert|3313|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} (route-km) of metre gauge track, but the Japanese removed about {{convert|480|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} and, by the end of the war, only {{convert|1085|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} (route-km) was operational in four isolated sections.{{cite magazine | url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view//update-from-myanmar.html | title=Update from Myanmar | author=Dieter Hettler | date=1 November 2004 | magazine=Railway Gazette International | access-date=4 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616035946/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/update-from-myanmar.html | archive-date=16 June 2011 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} The Japanese were also responsible for the construction of the Thailand - Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway, using the labour of Allied prisoners of war, many of whom died in the attempt. The "Death Railway" link with Thailand fell into disuse after the war and the section of this line in Burma was permanently closed.

Attempts at rebuilding the network began in the 1950s following Burmese independence. By 1961 the network extended to {{convert|3020|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}, and then remained constant until the opening of a {{convert|36|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} line from Kyaukpadaung to Kyini in October 1970. In 1988, there were 487 operational railway stations over a {{convert|3162|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} long network. Since coming to power in 1988, the military government embarked on a railway construction program and, by 2000 the network had grown to {{convert|5068|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} (track-km) divided into 11 operating divisions. Between 1994 and 1998, the {{convert|160|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} Ye-Dawei (Tavoy) railway in peninsular Myanmar was completed. With the construction of the {{convert|250|m|yd|abbr=on}} road/rail bridge across the Ye River in 2003 and the {{convert|2.4|km|mi|abbr=on}} Thanlwin Bridge in 2008, the Southern peninsula became fully integrated into the Myanmar's railway network. Also in 2008/9, the Ayeyawady Valley route was extended north along the west bank of the river towards Pakokku in the far north of the country. The {{convert|60|km|mi|abbr=on}} Kyangin-Okshippin (Padang) section of Kyangin-Thayet railway was opened in March 2008 and the {{convert|56|km|mi|abbr=on}} Okshippin-Kamma railway section was opened in March 2009.

In 2016 a tram route opened in Yangon, on a former heavy rail freight route through the city streets. Rolling stock is a three car train purchased second hand from Hiroshima, Japan; it is the first {{Track gauge|1435mm|allk=on}}, and a third rail was added to the line to accommodate it.

{{main|List of railway stations in Myanmar}}

There are 960 active railway stations in Myanmar with Yangon Central and Mandalay Central as the twin anchors of the network. Recently, rail service has been extended along the Taninthayi coast to Mon State and Tanintharyi Region with Mawlamyine station as the southern hub. The railway lines generally run north to south with branches to the east and the west. The 140 km/h Dali–Ruili railway from China reaches the border at Ruili but does not connect to the Myanmar network.

Most of the routes are single track although large parts of Yangon-Pyay and Yangon-Mandalay routes are double track.

Myanmar's railway network is divided into three broad groups of lines, the lines in Upper Myanmar, those in Lower Myanmar, and the Yangon Circular Railway that serves as Yangon's commuter rail.

File:Mandalay Central Station.JPG

{{main|Yangon Circular Railway}}

Yangon Circular Railway is an {{convert|81|km|mi|adj=on}} 39-station loop system that connects Yangon's downtown, satellite towns and suburban areas. Around 150,000 people use the approximately 300 trains that run around the loop daily.{{cite journal | url=http://www.uncrd.or.jp/env/3rd-regional-est-forum/doc/23_Myanmar.pdf | title=Third Regional EST Forum: Presentation of Myanmar | publisher=Ministry of Transport, Myanmar | location=Singapore | date=17–19 March 2008 | access-date=21 May 2019 | archive-date=26 February 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226114154/http://www.uncrd.or.jp/env/3rd-regional-est-forum/doc/23_Myanmar.pdf | url-status=live }}

The Yangon Urban Mass Rapid Transit is due to begin construction of the east–west line from Hlaing Thayar in the west to Parami in the east in 2022, to be complete by 2027. This line is to be further extended east to Togyaung Galay station on the Yangon-Bago intercity rail line.

The following four lines are currently under construction:{{cite web |url=http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/Myanmar-TAR-WGM-4.pdf |title=Developing a Myanma's Rail Network that meet demand by Ministry of 23rd November, 2015 |publisher=Ministry of Rail Transportation Myanma Railways |access-date=6 September 2016 |archive-date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924144342/http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/Myanmar-TAR-WGM-4.pdf |url-status=live }}

1. Kyaukyi–Sinkhan–Bamow with a distance of {{convert|94.87|mi}} as a part of Katha–Bamow railway project to allow the passengers and cargo to reach Bamow by rails rather by the Irrawaddy flotilla service. So far, the opened section is {{convert|37.06|mi}} while the other {{convert|57.81|mi}} is still under construction. The section under construction is the Kyaukkyi Bridge across Ayarwaddy Bridge at Sinkhan–Bamaw ({{convert|57.81|mi}}). Construction started 16 May 2007 expecting to finish the project in 2018–2019. The opened sections are:
2. Katha-Moetagyi ({{convert|16.68|mi}}): construction started 16 May 2007 and opened 20 May 2010
3. Moetagyi–Kyaukkyi ({{convert|20.38|mi}}): construction started 16 May 2007 and opened 7 February 2014
4. Natmouk- KanPyar with a distance of {{convert|94.71|mi}} as a part of Pyawbwe-Natmouk-Magwe railway project. So far, the opened section is {{convert|65.22|mi}} while the other {{convert|29.49|mi}} are still under construction, being Kanbya-Natmauk. Construction started 10 November 2008, expecting to finish in 2017 - 2018. The opened sections are:
5. Magwe-Kanbya ({{convert|7.68|mi}}): construction started 10 November 2008, opened 19 December 2009
6. Pyawbwe(Yan Aung) - Ywadaw ({{convert|22.12|mi}}): construction started 10 November 2008, opened 16 January 2010
7. Ywadaw-Natmauk ({{convert|35.42|mi}}): construction started 10 November 2008, opened 16 March 2013
8. Yechanbyin - Kwantaung - Kyaukhtu(Kyauk Taw) - Ann - Minbu with a distance of {{convert|257.00|mi}} as a part of Minbu-Ann-Sittway railway project to allow the connection to Port of Sittway. So far, the opened section is {{convert|54.00|mi}} while the other {{convert|203.00|mi}} is still under construction, one of them being Yechanbyin-Pardaleik ({{convert|5.81|mi}}). Construction started 15 February 2009. The other sections which are waiting for budget and contract signing is Pardaleik-Kwan Taung ({{convert|4.18|mi}}) and Kyaukhtu-Ann-Minbu ({{convert|193.01|mi}}) with a hope to finish the project in 2021 - 2022. Sittwe-Kyaukthu-Zorinpui railway is part of India-Myanmar Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. From Minbu it will connect to 1,215 km long Kyaukpyu port-Minbu-Kunming high-speed railway being planned by China.[http://www.idsa.in/backgrounder/myanmar-in-chinas-push-into-the-indian-ocean_jmpaul_120316 Myanmar in China’s Push into the Indian Ocean] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120071624/http://idsa.in/backgrounder/myanmar-in-chinas-push-into-the-indian-ocean_jmpaul_120316 |date=20 January 2017 }}, Joshy M Paul, 14 March 2016, retrieved 20 January 2017 The opened sections are:
9. Sittwe-Yechanbyin ({{convert|11.46|mi}}): construction started 15 February 2009, opened 19 May 2009
10. Kwan Taung- Ponnagyun-Yotayouk ({{convert|22.72|mi}}): construction started 15 February 2009 and opened 15 May 2010
11. Yotayouk-Kyaukhtu ({{convert|19.28|mi}}): construction started 16 May 2010, opened 11 April 2011
12. Einme-Nyaundong with a distance of {{convert|96.51|mi}} as a part of Pathein(Begayet) – Einme - Nyaundong Yangon (Hlaing Thayar) to allow the connection between Yangon with Port of Pathein. The section under construction is Einme-Nyaungdong-Hlaingthayar ({{convert|75.76|mi}}). Construction started 1 December 2009 with a hope to be done in 2017 - 2018. So far, the opened section is {{convert|61.09|mi}} while the other {{convert|35.42|mi}} is still under construction. The opened sections are:
13. Pathein(Begayet)-Einme ({{convert|20.75|mi}}): construction started 1 December 2009 and opened 20 March 2011

File:Myingyan Railway Station 2.jpg to Mandalay takes about 7.5 hours.]]

In 2005, the Japan Railways Group and other, privately owned, Japanese railway companies donated rolling stock to Myanma Railways, including former JNR-era DMUs, railcars and passenger coaches.{{Cite web |url=http://www.2427junction.com/mmrrbetop.html |title=Japanese rolling stock in Myanmar (in Japanese) |access-date=22 May 2019 |archive-date=17 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217112552/http://www.2427junction.com/mmrrbetop.html |url-status=live }} China donated 130 units of meter gauge carriages in 2006{{Cite web |url=http://www.internationalsteam.co.uk/asiaeast.htm |title=In September 2006, China donated 130 carriages ... |access-date=22 May 2019 |archive-date=19 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519093710/http://www.internationalsteam.co.uk/asiaeast.htm |url-status=live }} and another 225 in 2009.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-09/01/content_8641533.htm |title=China presents railway carriages to Myanmar |access-date=22 May 2019 |archive-date=1 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201131132/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-09/01/content_8641533.htm |url-status=live }} In early As of 2011, Myanma Railways operated 389 locomotives and 4,673 railway coaches.{{cite news| url=http://eversion.news-eleven.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1077:number-of-autos-motorcycles-increase-in-myanmar&catid=43:biweekly-eleven-eversion&Itemid=110| title=Number of autos, motorcycles increases in Myanmar| date=26 January 2011| work=Bi-Weekly Eleven News| access-date=29 January 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430210734/http://eversion.news-eleven.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1077:number-of-autos-motorcycles-increase-in-myanmar&catid=43:biweekly-eleven-eversion&Itemid=110| archive-date=30 April 2011| url-status=dead| df=dmy-all}}

In 1999, Myanma Railway had 201 diesel locomotives, and a further 88 were on order. Up to 1987 the main suppliers were Alstom, Krupp and various Japanese companies, but since then orders have been placed with China because of Myanmar's lack of access to hard currency. In 2004, Myanma Railway had approximately 40 oil-fired steam locomotives, of which about a dozen were serviceable and saw occasional use on goods, local passenger and tourist trains. Up to three heavy repairs are performed per year using locally manufactured parts. Between 1988 and 2009, the railway imported 96 diesel locomotives, 55 from China and 41 from India and, by December 2009, it had a total of 319 locomotives. In October 2010, the railway acquired 30 more locomotives from China.

In 2014, Myanma Railway acquired a Hokutosei train set from Japan after the withdrawal of the Hokutosei Blue Train Service in preparation of the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen which opened in 2016. The locomotive acquired was the former DD51 Diesel Locomotive along with the former Blue Trains that were formerly operated by JR Hokkaido.{{Cite web |url=http://www.2427junction.com/mmrrbej51.html |title=/ Myanmar Railways' Ex-JR Freight Class DD51 Diesel Locomotive |access-date=22 May 2019 |archive-date=7 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607233805/http://www.2427junction.com/mmrrbej51.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.2427junction.com/mmrrbetop.html|title=ミャンマー国鉄－日本からの譲渡車両|access-date=22 May 2019|archive-date=17 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217112552/http://www.2427junction.com/mmrrbetop.html|url-status=live}}

In March 2018, India handed over 18 diesel-electric locomotives to Myanmar under an Indian line of credit. These 18 locomotives were fitted with the microprocessor control based system. 1350 HP AC/DC main line diesel locomotives with a maximum speed of 100 km/h had been customised for the Myanmar Railways.{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/india-hands-over-18-high-end-diesel-locos-to-myanmar-118032000101_1.html|title=India hands over 18 high-end diesel locos to Myanmar|last=ANI|date=2018-03-20|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2018-07-06|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527222247/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/india-hands-over-18-high-end-diesel-locos-to-myanmar-118032000101_1.html|url-status=live}} From the Indian side, RITES Ltd., an Indian government enterprise, has been a principal partner of Myanma Railways and was involved in the supply of these 18 locomotives.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmtimes.com/news/india-hand-over-18th-locomotive.html|title=India to hand over 18th locomotive|work=The Myanmar Times|access-date=2018-07-06|language=en|archive-date=6 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706103924/https://www.mmtimes.com/news/india-hand-over-18th-locomotive.html|url-status=dead}}

In 1999 Myanma Railways had 868 coaches, with a further 463 on order.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} However many branch lines have only lightly built permanent way, and on these routes traffic is in the hands of a fleet of more than 50 light rail-buses built from lorry parts in MR's workshops.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} These are powered through their rubber-tired road wheels, and usually haul three small four-wheel coaches converted from goods wagons. Small turntables are used to turn the rail-buses at the termini.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

There were 5,187 freight wagons in 1999, with 1,188 due to be delivered. The majority of goods trains on lines without significant gradients run without any train brakes, as most of the serviceable wagons have been cannibalised and now lack vacuum hoses. Goods trains up to 600 tonnes are braked by the locomotive only, and operate at a maximum speed of {{convert|32|kph|mph|1|abbr=on}}. If the train is particularly heavy the wagons at the front will be fitted with hoses for the duration of the trip. On the steeply-graded ghat sections all wagons will be braked.

Apart from the Wartime Siam Burma Death Railway the country has never had any international links.

However there are ongoing projects to integrate Myanmar with neighbourhood as part of Look East policy of India and String of Pearls, Belt and Road Initiatives of China such as:

• China–Myanmar–Thailand railway to Dawei: In 2010 and 2011, {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}} international lines north to China and east to Thailand from a new port and industrial area at Dawei were proposed.{{Cite news|url=http://www.simonroughneen.com/asia/seasia/thailand/thai-developer-touts-burma-port-project-the-irrawaddy/|title=Thai Developer Touts Burma Port Project - The Irrawaddy {{!}} Simon Roughneen|date=2011-06-08|work=Simon Roughneen|access-date=2017-11-15|language=en-US|archive-date=23 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823055745/http://www.simonroughneen.com/asia/seasia/thailand/thai-developer-touts-burma-port-project-the-irrawaddy/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/burmese-rebels-block-asias-suez-canal-20110930-1l1gy.html|title=Burmese rebels block Asia's 'Suez Canal'|last=Murdoch|first=Lindsay|date=2011-10-01|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=2017-11-15|language=en-US|archive-date=13 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813010946/http://www.smh.com.au/world/burmese-rebels-block-asias-suez-canal-20110930-1l1gy.html|url-status=live}}Wohlers, David, and Tony Waters (2022) The Gokteik Viaduct: A Tale of Gentlemanly Capitalists, Unseen People, and a Bridge to Nowherehttps://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/11/10/440 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930093620/https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/11/10/440 |date=30 September 2022 }}
• China–Myanmar railway from Yangon - Kunming: *Dali to Ruili in China is under construction and expected to be completed in 2023. But the construction of the section in Myanmar has not been decided and is still under negotiation*. Serves new Bay of Bengal port. From Yangôn to Kunming in China.{{cite web|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/chinas-horizons-extend-southwards.html|access-date=2011-01-06|title=Railway Gazette: China's horizons extend southwards|date=2011-01-06|archive-date=2 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102095122/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/chinas-horizons-extend-southwards.html|url-status=live}}
• India–Vietnam railway via Myanmar–Thailand–Cambodia: On 9 April 2010, the Government of India announced that it is considering a Manipur to Vietnam link via Myanmar, although this would require a break-of-gauge {{Track gauge|sg|lk=on}} (Burma)/{{Track gauge|1676mm|lk=on}} (India).{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rail-link-from-Manipur-to-Vietnam-on-cards-Tharoor/articleshow/5778641.cms | work=The Times Of India | title=Rail link from Manipur to Vietnam on cards: Tharoor | date=2010-04-09 | access-date=12 March 2011 | archive-date=16 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516151453/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rail-link-from-Manipur-to-Vietnam-on-cards-Tharoor/articleshow/5778641.cms | url-status=live }} India also proposed that these two proposed links be connected, allowing trains from Delhi to Kunming via Myanmar, but requiring break-of-gauge from {{Track gauge|1435mm|lk=on}} in Burma to {{Track gauge|1676mm|lk=on}} in India.{{cite news| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Railway-eyes-rail-link-to-China/articleshow/7675243.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121154226/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-10/patna/28676685_1_rail-link-trans-asian-china-and-india | url-status=live | archive-date=2011-11-21 | work=The Times of India | title=Railway eyes rail link to China | date=2011-03-10}}
• India-Sittwe Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: Sittwe–Kyaukhtu(Kyauk Taw)–Zochachhuah/Hmawngbuchhuah– Sairang with a distance of {{convert|665|km}} as part of India–Myanmar Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. 90 km Sittwe–Kyaukhtu railway in Myanmar already exists, 200 km long Kyaukhtu–Zorinpui in Myanmar is planned but not yet surveyed, 375 km long Zochawchhuah(Zorinpui)–Sairang railway in India is being surveyed since Aug-2017.

The proposed international rail links are:

• Same gauge {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}}
• China (should have opened in 2021, postponed {{Cite web |title=China-Myanmar Muse-Kyaukpyu Railway Project Restarted--Seetao |url=https://www.seetao.com/details/205965.html |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}})
• Thailand
• Break of gauge {{Track gauge|sg}}/{{Track gauge|1676mm|lk=on}}
• India
• Bangladesh

• List of railway stations in Myanmar
• Transport in Myanmar
• Burma Mines Railway

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book | last=Chailley-Bert | first=Joseph | title=The Colonisation of Indo-China | translator=Arthur Baring Brabant | date=1894 | location=London | publisher=A. Constable & Company | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cARJAAAAIAAJ }}

• [https://www.railways.gov.mm/en_US/ Myanma Railways (English version)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718104613/https://www.railways.gov.mm/en_US/ |date=18 July 2020 }}
• [https://www.railways.gov.mm/my_MM/ Myanma Railways (Burmese version)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718102909/https://www.railways.gov.mm/my_MM/ |date=18 July 2020 }}
• [https://www.motc.gov.mm/my/%E1%80%99%E1%80%BC%E1%80%94%E1%80%BA%E1%80%99%E1%80%AC%E1%80%B7%E1%80%99%E1%80%AE%E1%80%B8%E1%80%9B%E1%80%91%E1%80%AC%E1%80%B8 Myanma Railways, Ministry of Transportation (Burmese version)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805112142/https://www.motc.gov.mm/my/%E1%80%99%E1%80%BC%E1%80%94%E1%80%BA%E1%80%99%E1%80%AC%E1%80%B7%E1%80%99%E1%80%AE%E1%80%B8%E1%80%9B%E1%80%91%E1%80%AC%E1%80%B8 |date=5 August 2020 }}

{{Asia topic|Rail transport in}}

{{Rail transport in Myanmar}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rail Transport In Myanmar}}