Myanma Railways (MR) is planning to collect garbage along Yangon Circular rail track using special muck trains as disposing of wastes along the rail track is paramount, sources said.

The waste disposal plan will begin soon and the MR is under discussion with respective ministries to clear the garbage along the rail track.

“There are some people who have been disposing garbage near the rail tracks. We planned to collect the garbage using a specially suited freight train. We also have two garbage trucks to collect the wastes. The places between two train stations, usually located near residential areas and markets, have become garbage dumps,” said Zaw Lwin, No.7 Divisional Traffic Manager of the MR.

Some garbage dumps are located right in the train station area and some people have disposed the wastes along the rail tracks. When the authorities cleared away the rubbish in the morning, people will dispose waste there again in the evening, he said.

The use of old train engines and carriages to clear away the trash isn’t a problem but ill-disciplined waste disposal along rail track will not only be unhygienic but also damage the country’s image as the Yangon circular train has seen rise in popularity among tourists. The MR will cooperate with respective districts and townships administrative offices, municipal committees, MPs and people to clear away the garbage, said Ba Myint, General Manager (Inspection) from the MR.

“Lately, more foreigners have visited our country. It will not be good for the country’s image, if more garbage is found. I want to request people to dispose the garbage in bundles. It will help us to clear the garbage,” he said.