Rail Transportation: Commissioning of new DEMU coaches in Yangon

Commissioning ceremony of new Diesel Electric Unit (DEMU) coaches on Yangon Circular Railway section took place on 29th November.

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attended the ceremony, held at Yangon Central Railway Station and made a speech.

In his speech, the Prime Minister stressed a strict adherence to rules and regulation to keep the rail lines and rail stations clean and called for the concerted efforts of the commuters in enhancing railways safety measures. He also instructed the Myanma Railways service personnnel to emphasize on convenience of the commuters, providing better services.

Next, Union Minister for Transport and Communications General Mya Tun Oo clarified the arrangements to enhance Yangon Circular Railway and operation of new DEMU coaches on Yangon Circular Railway. Then, a local resident expressed words of gratitude.

During the ceremony, a memorable gifts commemorating the operation of Diesel Electric Unit (DEMU) was presented to the Prime Minister. Subsequently, the Prime Minister and officials cut the ceremonial ribbons to commission the new DEMU coaches and sprinkled scented water on locomotive coach. Then, the Prime Minister and party took a Yangon circular rail trip of DEMU coaches, cordially greeted the commuters and presented memorable gifts.

The pre-engineering activities to upgrade the Yangon Circular Railway were conducted from 2015 to 2016 and the construction project started in 2017. At present, the project is successfully completed and the new air- conditioned DEMU coaches are ready to operate on Yangon Circular Railway section to provide better railway service for the commuters.

With the automatic signaling and communication systems, the DEMU trains will travel at a speed of 60 km per hour. Moreover, a total of 20 RBF trains and 15 DEMU trains will be operated daily in Yangon Circular Railway section. On arrival at Myanma Railways Locomotive Shed (Insein), the Prime Minister heard reports on manufacturing sufficient electricity to operate electric locomotive engines on Yangon Circular Railway section, acquiring Electric Multiple Unit and Electric Locomotive, transforming RBE (Diesel Multiple Unit) to Battery Electric Multiple Unit (BEMU), tasks to be implemented to operate Yangon-Mandalay Railway section as well as the arrangements to transform Diesel Electric Locomotive to Battery Electric Locomotive.

After hearing reports, the Prime Minister instructed to upgrade the existing coaches, railways and railway crossing bridge. Later, the Prime Minister and party had lunch together with the staff from Myanma Railways Locomotive Shed and presented cash awards to the staff.