Feasibility study on Muse-Lashio-Mandalay railway project has been suspended for uncertain area security despite MoU signing between Myanmar and China, said a source from Myanma Railways (MR).
“Feasibility study has been suspended because of unsafe area security. We are waiting in Lashio. If the area security is safe, we will resume the project. We win the support of the people for the project. All heartily welcome the project. Obstacles haven’t been found,” said Ba Myint, Managing Director of the MR.
Muse-Lashio-Mandalay railway project is a major exit for China. It is a project linking Myanmar with China. China’s inclusiveness is of great importance, said Ba Myint.
Muse-Lashio-Mandalay is the second longest railroad section after Yangon-Mandalay in Myanmar. The new railroad of Muse-Lashio-Mandalay will be 267 miles long with 60 tunnels. Electric trains will be used on this railroad section and they runs at a speed of 100 miles per hour, the report of the MR said.
The new railroad of Muse-Lashio-Mandalay links a major exit of China with Myanmar. Commodity flow will be secure and smooth only if China gets involved. Therefore, the involvement of China is of great importance. For this project, Myanmar and China are major players, Ba Myint told The Daily Eleven.
The feasibility study includes GPS, total station, samples of water and soil and soil tests. The feasibility study has been already carried out. EIA and SIA reports are being made known to the public.
The MR made the CREC of Muse-Lashio-Mandalay known to the public in Mandalay, Naungcho, Kyaukme, Lashio, Hsenwi, Muse and Pyin Oo Lwin starting from June 25 to early September.
The official of Myanma Railways of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Union of Myanmar and the official of China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group signed Memorandum of Understanding on Feasibility Study for Muse-Mandalay Railway Project.
China Railway Group Limited (CREC) started feasibility study on January 5 in 2019 and completed in May. Muse-Mandalay Railway Project jointly built by Myanmar and China will be twice as fast as Yangon-Mandalay and it will take three hours from Muse to Mandalay.
Muse-Mandalay Railway will be 431 km long. There will be seven stations. Electric trains will run at a speed of 99 miles (160 km) per hour.
Translated and Edited by Win Htut
