Myanmar to upgrade Yangon-Mandalay railway next year

Myanmar will launch upgrading process of Yangon-Mandalay railway next year using a loan of US$ 500 million agreed to take out from Japan, according to Ministry of Rail Transportation.

A survey is said to be under way starting from this October about environmental and social impact, which is likely to come out of the upgrading project.

An official from the ministry said the upgrading process has divided the railway into three parts such as Yangon-Taungoo, Taungoo-Yamethin, and Yamethin-Mandalay, and that a Japanese survey team will soon visit the country to make a final plan for it.

“The final plan will be made in cooperation with Japanese experts. More surveys are still needed to be done. The process is sure to start next year,”

After upgraded, the railway will be able to facilitate local express trains to go 100 km (60 mile), reducing the length of time taken for the whole Yangon-Mandalay journey from previous 15 hours to 8 hours.

The upgrading will include all-round renovation of related facilities along the route.

source: Eleven Myanmar

http://elevenmyanmar.com/national/4517-myanmar-to-upgrade-yangon-mandalay-railway-next-year