New Rail Road Section: Prime Minister attends the inauguration of new rail service

The Shwe Nyaung-Taunggyi-Naungkar-Pangpet Rail Road Section was commissioned into operation on Sunday.

The opening ceremony was held at Taunggyi Station, with the presence of Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized that rail transportation is strategically important for the country, and all governments in the world have provided various forms of assistance to ensure the survival of the rail sector.

During the tenure of the State Administration Council Government in Myanmar, special emphasis was placed on upgrading rail sections, maintaining rail coaches, constructing and installing new coaches, and upgrading railway stations. He extended his congratulations to the staff of Myanma Railway for the successful upgrade and opening of the rail sections and called for the cooperation of all staff to ensure the long-term existence of Myanma Railway.

Member of the State Administration Council, Deputy Prime Minister, and Union Minister for Transport and Communications, General Mya Tun Oo, reported on the key points of the rail section. He then presented a commemorative gift to the Prime Minister.

Then, the newly constructed rail section was officially opened, accompanied by performances of Shan traditional dances and pompom dances, with the accompaniment of a student band troupe. The Prime Minister and party sprinkled scented water on the rail engine that would run from Taunggyi Station to Pangpet Station.

The Prime Minister and wife also presented honorary cash awards to the cultural troupes and students. They then bid farewell to the departing train from Taunggyi to Pangpet. Subsequently, the Prime Minister and entourage took a train ride from Taunggyi to Pawmu Station, along with local ethnic people, enjoying the scenic beauty and landscapes, mountain roads, and agricultural works. Along the way, they observed the replica construction of the famous Bawa Samsara rail section and bridge near Hti Thein Station, as well as the rail section being constructed among the rock-filled wall and mountains after overcoming various challenges.

On arrival at Pawmu Station, the Prime Minister cordially greeted the staff and gave instructions for operating the rail section. Myanma Railway, under the Ministry of Transport and Communications, has upgraded the over 21-mile-long Shwe Nyaung-Taunggyi rail section, along with the opening of the over 10-mile-long Naungkar-Pangpet rail section. Along the rail section, there are 129 large and small bridges with 9 block stations.

Rail service is the very first and the most ancient mode of public transportation in Myanmar, with more than 146 years of rail service. It possesses the longest service history of rail transportation in Southeast Asia.