Transport and Communications: Transport and communications to be restored soon

On March 28, a powerful earthquake caused significant destruction to two major international airports in the country, Nay Pyi Taw International Airport and Mandalay International Airport. This also affected roadways, railway lines, and the old Mandalay-Sagaing bridge (Inwa), resulting in disruptions to transportation and communication services.

In the railway sector, the critical railway line of 386 miles along the Yangon-Mandalay route suffered damages at 60 track sections and 11 railway bridges. Myanmar Railways is actively working to repair the damages as quickly as possible, with plans to reopen the Yangon-Bago-Taungoo-Nay Pyi Taw section on April 5, the Nay Pyi Taw -Thazi section on April 4, and the Thazi-Mandalay section also on April 5, utilizing effective support from the personnel and equipment.

In the aviation sector, there were damages to the air traffic control tower and associated buildings at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport, along with some damage to passenger lounges. This resulted in the temporary suspension of flight operations, with rapid repairs and installations being undertaken.

Since there were no damages to the runway, rescue flight operations have been reopened for use starting March 29, and efforts are underway to restore domestic flight operations as soon as possible, targeting April 5. Similarly, some minor damages occurred at Mandalay International Airport’s runway, with prompt repairs already made.

By April 2nd, 10,000 feet of the runway had been repaired, allowing for the resumption of rescue flight operations. Efforts are ongoing to restore domestic flight operations by April 4. In the water transportation sector, due to the collapse of Sagaing bridge (Inwa), domestic ferry services, operated by government-owned boats, have been providing free transport for passengers and vehicles between Mandalay and Sagaing.

In the telecommunications sector, Myanmar Telecommunications enterprise is working tirelessly with skilled staff and backup equipment to restore damaged stations, e-learning centers National Cyber Security Center and e-Government Data Center, ensuring that information and cybersecurity services will soon resume regular operations.

The Union Ministers, deputy ministers, and responsible officials took ground inspection to monitor the status of disruptions to railways, airports, and transport networks, prioritizing and addressing needs as they arise. Efforts are underway to ensure transportation and communication services in areas severely affected by the earthquake return to normal operations smoothly in the near future.