Inspecting Conditions of Goteik viaduct: MoTC UM inspected conditions of Goteik Viaduct

Union Minister for the Ministry of Transport and Communications U Myat Tun Oo inspected the Naungcho Station, Goteik Station, and Goteik Viaduct of Myanma Railways in Naungcho, Shan State (North) on September 14.

On the morning of September 14, the Union Minister and officials, along with officials from Kyaukme District, traveled by railcar from Naungcho Station to Goteik Station and the Goteik Viaduct. Officials from Myanma Railways presented maps and charts to explain the current condition of the viaduct.

They explained that due to recent attacks by terrorist insurgents, the steel framework of the bridge was damaged between the abutment on the Lashio side and pillar No. 16. They also detailed the progress of transporting and collecting necessary materials for repair.

The officials reported on plans to install temporary supports and a temporary steel frame, and on the removal of damaged parts to be replaced with new ones. The Union Minister instructed them to rebuild the viaduct according to its original design, as it is a historical heritage site.

He stressed that the work must meet all standards and be completed on schedule while ensuring worker safety. He then inspected a 350-foot tunnel adjacent to the viaduct, where insurgents had destroyed railway tracks and concrete sleepers and had set up mines.

The Union Minister met with the on-site workers and security forces, offered words of encouragement, and presented them with cash awards. After that, the Union Minister and officials went to Goteik Station. They reviewed rare historical photos of the viaduct's original construction, which are preserved at the station.

He then distributed foodstuff to the station staff and the engineers working on the repairs. Then, the Union Minister and officials met with staff from various departments in Naungcho at the train station. He urged them to work systematically, maintain their health, and cooperate with one another. He also provided them with foodstuff.

The Goteik Viaduct, located on the Mandalay-Lashio railway line between Naungcho and Kyaukme in Shan State (North), spans over a deep gorge. At approximately 2,200 feet long and nearly 500 feet deep, it connects the two sides of the gorge. The bridge was designed by Sir A.M.R. Rendel & Co. in London and constructed by the Pennsylvania & Maryland Bridge and Construction Co. from the United States, with construction beginning in 1899 and completing in 1900.

It officially opened for use in 1903, making it over 120 years old. The bridge is approximately 2,260 feet long, with steel pillars that are 320 feet high. From the gorge floor to the rail tracks, the bridge stands about 825 feet high. At the time of its completion, it was the highest steel bridge in the world.

The construction was incredibly challenging, using 4,311 tons of iron and steel and around one million rivets to connect the steep cliffs. Its breathtaking scenery, which can be seen from a train ride, has made it a famous and iconic landmark for Myanmar.

However, as reported by state media, the bridge was foolishly bombed and destroyed by the TNLA terrorist group on August 24. It has been reported that Myanma Railways engineers are now repairing and rebuilding the damaged section of the viaduct to its original design.