Operation of BEL Commenced: BEL on Yangon Circular Trains commenced

To facilitate convenient and smooth travel for the public, Myanma Railways operates passenger trains on various rail sections. A ceremony to commence the operation of domestically manufactured Battery Electric Locomotives (BEL) on Yangon Circular Trains was held at 7:30 AM on March 25 at Yangon Central Station, Platform No. 1, in Yangon Region.

At the ceremony, Deputy Minister for Transport and Communications U Aung Myaing, along with the Permanent Secretary and the Managing Director of Myanma Railways, cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Battery Electric Locomotive that would begin its service on the Yangon Circular Railway line from Yangon Central Station, Platform No. 1, and sprinkled fragrant water. Subsequently, they cordially greeted passengers on the train and waved farewell to the commuters on board.

Under the guidance of the head of state, Myanma Railways converted six diesel-electric locomotives with 1,300 horsepower into Battery Electric Locomotives with 1,600 horsepower. This conversion was completed during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Similarly, an additional six Battery Electric Locomotives will be produced in the current 2026-2027 fiscal year, bringing the total to 12. The completed Battery Electric Locomotives have already been operated on the Nay Pyi Tdaw-Mandalay section and the Pyin Oo Lwin-Zee Pyin Gyi mountainous section. Starting today, on the Yangon Circular Railway section, the Battery Electric Locomotive will be used, coupled with four passenger carriages and one brake van, to operate services on the Yangon-Toe-gyaung-galay, Yangon-Insein, and Yangon Circular routes.

The replacement of one locomotive with a Battery Electric Locomotive on the Yangon Circular section saves over 600,000 kyats per day, resulting in monthly savings of more than 1.8 million kyats in expenditure. Additionally, it reduces diesel consumption by 66 gallons per day, equivalent to 1,980 gallons per month.

By replacing locomotives with Battery Electric Locomotives in this manner, diesel consumption can be reduced. To ensure convenient travel for the public, Myanma Railways will further expand train services using Battery Electric Locomotives on various rail sections. This initiative will not only help address fuel difficulties but also enhance passenger and freight transport operations across the country, significantly benefiting public transportation services, it’s reported.