The launch ceremony for operating Yangon circular trains using Battery Electric Locomotives (BEL) was held at 7:30 a.m. on March 25 at Platform No. (1) of Yangon Central Railway Station in Yangon Region.
Starting today, one battery-electric locomotive will be operated on the Yangon circular railway, coupled with four passenger coaches and one brake van. The trains will run on routes including Yangon–Toegyaungkalay, Yangon–Insein, and the Yangon Circular Railway line.
By replacing diesel locomotives with battery-electric ones on the Yangon circular line, it is expected to save over 600,000 kyats per day, amounting to more than 18 million kyats in monthly cost reductions. In addition, diesel consumption will be reduced by 66 gallons per day, or approximately 1,980 gallons per month.
Myanmar Railways has converted six existing 1,300-horsepower diesel-electric locomotives into 1,600-horsepower battery-electric locomotives. These conversions are expected to be completed within the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Similarly, another six battery-electric locomotives will be produced in the 2026–2027 fiscal year, bringing the total to 12.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister for Transport and Communications U Aung Myaing, the Permanent Secretary, departmental heads under the ministry, the Managing Director of Myanmar Railways, and other officials and staff.
