Rail Clips stolen and destroyed : Rail clips missing between Nanmar and Mohnyin stations

On August 2nd at 1:40 PM, on the Myitkyina–Mohnyin road section, southbound train No. 50 (Myitkyina–Mogaung passenger train), which had departed from Nanmar Station in Mohnyin Township, was traveling between Nanmar and Mohnyin stations. At around 2:15 PM, as it approached near Nyaunggone Village, the locomotive crew discovered that on the nine-section railway track, approximately 195 feet of track (consisting of 5 sections of 39 feet each) were missing rail clips. The train was stopped in time for inspection, and it was found that approximately 288 rail clips were missing. The removed clips were found placed in bags alongside the track.

U Myo Htet, a Junior Engineer/Operations officer aboard train No. 50, along with his team, temporarily reattached the clips and carefully operated the train through the section. The train was able to depart again at 2:35 PM, resulting in a delay of 20 minutes on that section, and it arrived at Mohnyin Station at 3:00 PM.

Myanmar Railways officials and village security team members went to the incident site and arrived at 2:40 PM. They reinstalled the necessary rail clips to secure the track, and the work was completed at 4:45 PM, allowing the railway section to be reopened.

Similarly, on July 22nd of last month, on the Myitkyina–Mohnyin road section between Nan Kwin and Hopin stations in Hopin Township, approximately 120 feet of track (3 sections) and another approximately 120 feet of track (3 sections), totaling about 240 feet had 408 rail clips removed, causing a patrol train to derail.

Such acts are reprehensible and could result in serious injury or death to train passengers, as well as immense damage and loss. Therefore, the public is urged to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities in a timely manner to help prevent train accidents.

Furthermore, under Section 79(c), Chapter 18 of the Railway Transport Law, which was enacted on January 5, 2016, anyone who pulls out, loosens, moves, or destroys any rail fastener, railway track, or any related object on the railway line shall, under Section 84, be subject to imprisonment for a minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years, and may also be liable to a fine.

Regarding this case of missing railway clips, a case has been registered at Mohnyin Township Police Station for proper investigation, and it has been reported that once the perpetrators are identified, they will be effectively prosecuted in accordance with the Railway Transport Law.