The Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay section of the Myanma Railways (MR) has started operating with battery-electric locomotives and air-conditioned airbag train coaches on November 22.

A ceremony to launch the Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay section of the Myanma Railways using battery-electric locomotives and air-conditioned airbag carriages was held at Nay Pyi Taw Railway Station on November 22 and Union Minister for Transport and Communications U Mya Htun Oo attended the ceremony and delivered a speech.

“The battery-electric locomotive that will run on the Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay route will be able to operate with air-conditioned carriages. This operation will improve the service to ensure safe and comfortable travel for all passengers, reduce carbon emissions, environmental impact and the use of fossil fuels. I would like to congratulate the public transportation industry, Myanma Railways, on its efforts to achieve this goal,” said the Union Minister of Transport and Communications.

The Union Minister of Transport and Communications said that the government is working tirelessly to develop the country in all aspects in line with the changing times and is also focusing on improving road connectivity.

“The Head of State has focused on the development of the railway transport industry and has frequently met and guided responsible people during national ceremonies, coordination meetings and field visits. We are also providing support as needed. Among the instructions of the Head of State is to prioritize the conversion of existing diesel locomotives into battery electric locomotives, and to systematically carry out this conversion in accordance with the original paint color of the train, and to design a modern locomotive design that is suitable for the speed. Based on these instructions, the efforts of the Myanma Railways officials and the battery electric locomotives can now be used,” he said.

The Union Minister of Transport and Communications said that the railway transport industry is the first and oldest transportation industry in Myanmar’s public transport sector, and the railway industry is also a strategically important industry for the country.

Then, the Managing Director of Myanma Railways explained the arrangements for the start of operation of the Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay route using battery-electric locomotives and air-conditioned carriages.

Then, the Union Minister of Transport and Communications and officials cut the ropes of the battery-electric locomotive of the 27 Up Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay train that was about to start running, and sprayed the battery-electric locomotive with fragrant liquid.