2.4 Myanmar Railway Assessment

Travel Time Matrix from Yangon Railway Companies and Consortia Capacity Table Key Route Information Key Stations Yangon Circular Railway Myanmar Railway Schedule (Passengers trains attached with cargo train) Yangon - Mandalay Line Regional Railway Assessments Mon State and Thanintharyi Region Distance (Mile) and Travel Time (Hour) Matrix Capacity Table Key Route Information Key Stations Kawlin and Sagaing Region Distance and Travel Time Matrix Capacity Table Key Route Information Key Stations Kayah and Southern Shan State Distance (KM) and Travel Time (Hours) Matrix Capacity Table Key Route Information Key Stations Bago, Naypyitaw and Magway region Distance and Travel Time Matrix Capacity Table Key Route Information Key Stations Mandalay and Sagaing region Distance and Travel Time Matrix Capacity Table Key Route Information Key Stations Cargo Terminal, Mandalay

Generally, the trains do not run on time and are not much used for freight. Myanmar Railways (MR) does not accept liability for damage to cargo in transit, therefore it is recommended to transport cargo by rail through third party freight forwarders or transporters. Since MR rents out most freight cargo capacity in advance to private transporters monthly, it is difficult to get freight capacity directly from MR.

Railway transportation should be considered as last resort only if road transportation is temporary inaccessible/cut-off due to disaster or unstable situation. It is not recommended for emergency response situation or for cargo transportation in general as there are other faster alternatives.

The railway network is divided by MR into 11 administrative divisions. In lower Myanmar, to the South the main line starts in Yangon and ends at Dawei, Tanintharyi. Freight can only be transported until Mawlamyine due to the mountainous terrain. In upper Myanmar, to the North the main line runs from Yangon via Nay Pyi Taw to Myitkyina, in Kachin State. This line to Myitkyina is used more frequently for freight by private transporters because it is less costly than road transportation. In its current state, the railway network anchors to two mains stations: Yangon Central and Mandalay Central with most routes are single track.

Page 1 After many years of inadequate railway system or network development since its first inauguration in May 1877 (rail track between Yangon to Pyay), the railway network expansion, under the responsibility of the Ministry of Rail Transportation and operated by state-owned Myanmar Railways (MR), has been expedited in the last 2 decades. Its network nearly doubled since 1988, with a total route length of 6110.481 km (single route 5405.285 km and double route 705.196 km) in December 2019. The Myanmar railway network is mainly narrow gauge (1,000 mm ~ meter-gauge). This expansion however has not been followed by proper and adequate maintenance work. Approximately 60% of railway infrastructure, including locomotives and coaches are generally in poor condition, which has restricted freight train operating speed and made train rides uncomfortable because of poor tracks and bridge conditions. Some tracks are not passable during the monsoon season. There are no rail links to adjacent countries and the status of planned cross-border rail connections to China, India, and Thailand, as well as the Thanbyuzayet-Three Pagoda pass connection remains uncertain. In 2013- 2014 fiscal year, 60 m passengers and 2.5m tons were transported, using 397 passenger trains/day and 25 freight trains/day. The rail capacity includes 384 locomotives, 1,600 passenger coaches and 3,600 freight wagons.

Overview of Myanmar Railway as of December 2019

The government has plans to improve the quality of the Yangon-Mandalay-Myitkyitna and the Bago-Mawlamyine section. There are existing plans to build a high-speed railway to connect Kunming in Southwest China with Vietnam, Lao PDF, and Myanmar, respectively. Construction on the section connecting to Myanmar, the Dali-Ruili railway, began in May 2011 and is scheduled to take six years, but there is no progress still in 2020.

There is no rail link between Myanmar and India with the Moreh-Tamu-Kalay line is in the proposal stage. [1]

A list of railway line upgrade projects in Myanmar are presented below (source: presentation of Ministry of Transport and communications in the 2019 Asia PPP Practitioners’ Network Conference, Nov 2019).

Lower Myanmar

Line Route Notes

Yangon-Mandalay Yangon-Bago-Nay Pyi Taw-Thazi-Mandalay In frequent use

Yangon-Dawei Yangon-Bago-Mawlamyine-Dawei No freight Mawlamyine to Dawei

Yangon-Bagan Yangon-Letpadan-Taungdwinggyi-Bagan Older line, compared to parallel line via Nay Pyi Taw

Yangon-Pathein Yangon-Letpadan-Pathein LetPadan to Pathein in disuse

Upper Myanmar

Line Route Notes

Mandalay-Mytkyina Mandalay-Sagaing-Shwebo-Myitkyina In frequent use

Mandalay-Lashio Mandalay-Pyinoolwin-Kyaukme-Hsipaw-Lashio In use

(Northern Shan State Railway)

Mandalay-Taunggyi Mandalay-Thazi-Taunggyi Not in use

Mandalay-Thazi Mandalay-Thedaw-Dahuttaw-Hanza-Ywapale-Thazi In use

Monywa-Pakokku Monywa-Khinu-Mandalay-Pakokku In use

Page 2 Mandalay-Kale Mandalay-Sagaing-Monywa-Pakokku-Kale Not in use

Pakokku-Thazi Pakokku-Taungtha-Meiktila-Thazi In use (central West–East)

Sittwe - Mrauk-U Sittwe-Mrauk-U Since 2013. Not connected to the main railway network

For more information, please see the following link: 4.9 Myanmar Railway Company Contact List

Travel Time Matrix from Yangon

Time Distance

Nay Pyi Taw 9 hours 233 mile /372km

Mandalay 14 hours 370 mile /595km

Myitkyina 30 hours 724 mile /1165 km

Railway Companies and Consortia

There are no private railway companies in Myanmar. MR is the sole railway enterprise in the country.

4.2.1 Myanmar Government Contact List

Capacity Table

Operator / Company

Operates on (lines) Myanmar Railway (MR)

Max train length and/or pulling capacity unknown

Locomotives (electric/diesel/steam) Diesel

Freight Wagons (covered) / size GBHV-36 tons

Freight Wagons (flatbed) / size WBY, WBYB – 30 tons

WBXV – 36 tons

SMBV – 36 tons

Freight Wagons (high-sided)/size NA

Freight Wagons (drop-side)/size NA

Key Route Information

Route A Route B Route C

Yangon - Naypyidaw Naypyidaw - Mandalay Mandalay - Myitkyinar

Track gauge 1 meter 1 meter 1 meter

Ruling gradient Nil Nil NA

Total track distance (single and/or double) Single Single Single

Type of rail (weight and if welded or not) Joint Connection Joint Connection Joint Connection

Type of sleeper and fastenings Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC

Page 3 Total track travel time NA NA NA

Maintenance (Good, marginal, bad) Marginal Marginal Marginal

Companies-consortiums operating online NA NA NA

Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly/daily) Daily Daily Daily

Security (Good, marginal, bad) Good Good Good

Main stations (Add details below) Bago-Taungoo Tharzi Khin U-Indaw

Key Stations

Key Station Information

Bago Naypyidaw Mandalay

Location Bago Division Naypyidaw Division Mandalay Division

Contact U Thaung Htike, 052 21508 U Aung Myint Hlaing, U Myint Thein (Dept. Station Master) Tel: 09-429339636, 02-35069 Information General Manager, Naypyidaw, 067 77014

Connections Road only Road only Road only with other

transport means

(road /waterways /air)

Storage No warehouses NA NA Capacity

Handling No Equipment No Equipment No Equipment Equipment

Handling NA NA NA Capacity

Other Bago is a big town, well developed and Naypyidaw is the capital of Mandalay has an international airport and newly established Myitnge Dry Comments from Yangon to Mandalay and Yangon to Myanmar and located Ports run by Kerry Terminal Logistics and RG Logistics Co., Ltd. And, Mawlamyine route traffic must pass this between the Yangon to Mandalay is central point to flow good and services of Upper Myanmar. town. Mandalay route

Yangon Circular Railway

Yangon Circular Railway is a railway line for local commuters, which serves the Yangon metropolitan area. Operated by Myanmar Railways, the 45.9- kilometre (28.5 mi) 39-station loop system connects satellite towns and suburban areas to the city. The railway has about 200 coaches, runs 20 times a day and serves 85,000 to 100,000 passengers daily. Based on 2019 data, the journey took around 2 hours and 50 minutes. Myanmar Railway and JICA have jointly financed an upgrade project with the aim to increase traffic to 260,000 passengers daily and cut down travel time by an hour once the circular railway is upgraded. This upgrade is also an initial step towards reducing road traffic by increasing the transport market share of Myanmar Railways for daily commuting within Yangon Metropolitan area. The project began in 2018 and is scheduled to be completed in 2022.

The service hours are from 3:45 am to 10:15 pm daily. The cost of a ticket for a distance up to 15 miles is 100 kyats (~nine US cents), and for trips over 15 miles is 200 kyats (~18 US cents).

Myanmar Railway Schedule (Passengers trains attached with cargo train)

Below table is the passenger train schedule. Cargo wagons can be attached to passenger trains along the routes.

It is recommended to check with Rail Road department for every trip to confirm schedule and it can be possible to check out for update on Myanmar Railway social media pages (Facebook page) and government official websites. https://www.railways.gov.mm/en_US/train-schedule/

Yangon - Mandalay Line

Page 4 Train Yangon Bago Taungoo Pyinmana Thazi Mandalay Number

arrival departure arrival departure arrival departure arrival departure arrival departure arrival departure

- 04:00 05:56 06:11 13:20 13:40 16:08 16:18 21:45 00.05 03:30 - 1 UP

19:30 - 16:08 16:55 09:01 09:21 05:50 06:00 23:59 00:09 - 19:15 2 DN

- 15:45 17:45 17:55 21:30 22:00 00:30 01:00 05:30 06:00 09:00 - 3 UP

21:30 - 19:09 19:12 14:03 14:13 11:49 11:52 08:17 08:20 - 05:30 4 DN

- 15:00 17:00 17:30 22:00 22:30 01:30 02:00 05:00 05:45 07:30 - 5 UP

20:10 - 17:49 17:52 13:08 13:18 10:58 11:01 07:45 07:48 - 05:00 6 DN

- 08:30 10:28 10:43 17:56 18:51 21:30 - - - - - 9 UP

17:45 - 14:46 15:01 07:25 07:55 - 04:30 - - - - 10 DN

- 05:00 06:48 06:50 11:47 11:57 14:22 14:25 17:45 17:48 21:00 - 11 UP

22:00 - 19:32 19:35 14:39 14:49 12:20 12:23 09:01 09:04 - 06:00 12 DN

- 08:00 09:47 09:50 14:12 14:15 16:30 - - - - - 31 UP

13:45 - 11:29 11:32 06:57 07:00 - 05:00 - - - - 32 DN

Mandalay - Myitkyina Line

Train Mandalay Shwebo Kawlin Naba Mohnyin Myitkyina Number

arrival departure arrival departure arrival departure arrival departure arrival departure arrival departure

- 11:30 13:30 13:45 17:30 17:50 20:55 21:10 24:00 00:15 06:30 - 37 UP

08:00 - 04:02 04:22 23:42 23:47 20:17 20:27 17:27 17:30 - 12:00 38 DN

- 16:00 19:30 19:45 24:00 00:15 02:45 03:00 06:00 06:15 11:15 - 55 UP

05:00 - 01:43 01:45 20:32 20:42 16:20 16:30 13:10 13:20 - 07:00 56 DN

- 08:45 11:10 11:35 15:35 16:00 19:30 19:45 22:55 23:15 04:00 - 57 UP

12:10 - 09:02 09:04 04:20 04:25 00:29 00:34 22:12 22:17 - 15:30 58 DN

Regional Railway Assessments

Mon State and Thanintharyi Region

The railway network in Myanmar is divided in 11 divisions. The railway network in Mon state and Thanintharyi region are included in Division 8. This railway line starts from Yangon and ends at Dawei in Thanintharyi. Between Ye and Dawei, the railway track has steep inclines and therefore freight trains cannot reach Dawei, only passenger trains run on this line. Myanma Railways (MR) was planning to extend this railway line further South from Dawei to Myeik, but this extension been put on hold due to budget constraints.

Distance (Mile) and Travel Time (Hour) Matrix

Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (Hours / Days)

Yangon Mawlamyine Ye Dawei

Yangon 176.25 miles/ 276.25 miles/ 376.25 miles/ 10 hours 16 hours 19 hours

Mawlamyine 176.25 miles/ 100 miles/ 200 miles/ 10 hours 6 hours 15 hours

Ye 276.25 miles/ 100 miles/ 100 miles/ 16 hours 6 hours 9 hours

Page 5 Dawei 376.25 miles/ 200 miles/ 100 miles/ 19 hours 15 hours 9 hours

Capacity Table

All trains can travel to Mawlamyine and Ye, but only passenger service train that reaches Dawei due to steep inclines of the railway.

Rail Operator Capacity (Myanmar Railways)

Operates on (lines) Yangon to Dawei (Division 8)

Max train length and/or pulling capacity 370 miles (Yangon to Dawei)

Locomotives (electric/diesel/steam) Diesel

Freight Wagons (covered) / size GBHV-36 tons

Freight Wagons (flatbed) / size WBY,WBYB – 30 tons

WBXV – 36 tons

SMBV – 36 tons

Freight Wagons (high-sided)/size NA

Freight Wagons (drop-side)/size NA

Key Route Information

Route A Route B Route C

Yangon to Mawlamyine Mawlamyine to Ye Ye to Dawei

Track gauge 1 meter 1 meter 1 meter

Ruling gradient Nil Nil 1/25, 1/40

Total track distance (single and/or double) Single Single Single

Type of rail (weight and if welded or not) Joint Connection Joint Connection Joint Connection

Type of sleeper and fastenings Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC

Total track travel time 10 hours 6 hours 9 hours

Maintenance (Good, marginal, bad) Marginal Marginal Marginal

Companies-consortiums operating online None None None

Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly/daily) Daily Daily Daily

Security (Good, marginal, bad) Good Good Good

Main stations (Add details below) Bago, Kyaik Hto, Tha Htone, Paung Than Phyu Zayat, Nit Kayin, La Mine Kan Kaw Taung, Kalar Yaung, Yay Phyu

Key Stations

Key Station Information

Bago Mawlamyine Dawei

Location Bago Division Mon State Tanintharri Division

Contact Information U Thaung Htike, 052 21508 U Tin Soe Win, 057 22850 NA

Multi-modal Connections Road only Road only Road only

(road/waterways/air)

Page 6 Storage Capacity No warehouse No warehouse No warehouse

(sqm and cubic meters)

Handling Equipment No Equipment No Equipment No Equipment

Handling Capacity: n/a n/a n/a

MT / Hour, TEU / Hour

Other Comments Limited cargo is transported by Myanma Railways because MR does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of freight in transit.

Kawlin and Sagaing Region

The Kawlin railway station is under the Ywa Htaung Division-2, on the main track of Myitkyina-MyoHoung (MDY). The volume of freight by rail reduces on this line after the road conditions improve and the number of truck increases in the area.

Distance and Travel Time Matrix

Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (Hours / Days)

Kawlin Wun-tho Indaw Katha Myit-kyina Kan- balu Ywa-Htaung Myo-Haung (MDY)

45km/ 23m 120km/ 4h 143km/6h20m 314km/ 12h20m 41km/ 2h13/ 195km/ 5h35m 213km/6h40m Kawlin

45km/ 23m 75km/ 3h37m 98km/ 5h57m 269km/ 11h57m 85km/ 2h36m 239km/ 5h58m 258km/ 7h3m Wun-tho

120km/ 4h 75km/ 3h37m 23km/ 2h20 194km/ 8h20m 161km/ 6h13m 315km/ 9h35m 333km/ 10h57m Indaw

143km/ 6h20m 98km/ 5h57m 23km/ 2h20 219km/10h35 184km/8h33m 338km/ 11h55m 356km/13h17m Katha

314km/ 12h20m 269km/ 11h57m 194km/ 8h20m 219km/10h35m 354km/14h33m 508km/ 17h38m 526km/ 19h Myit-Kyina

41km/ 2h13 85km/ 2h36m 161km/ 6h13m 184km/8h33m 354km/14h33m 154km/ 3h5m 172km/ 4h27m Kan-balu

195km/ 5h35m 239km/ 5h58m 315km/ 9h35m 338km/11h55m 508km/17h38m 154km/ 3h5m 18km/ 1h22m Ywa-Htaung

213km/6h40m 258km/ 7h3m 333km/ 10h57m 356km/13h17m 526km/19h 172km/ 4h27m 18km/ 1h22m Myo-Hong (MDY)

Katha Station connects with the main track at Naba Station and no direct rail operates for it. Depending on the locomotive and the interval waiting time, the travel time between points may vary.

Capacity Table

Rail Operator Capacity (Myanmar Railways)

Operates on (lines) Ywa Htaung (Division2)

Myitkyina (Division1)

Max train length and/or pulling capacity 30 Mt (psg) + 48-Mt (parcel) for 12 axles

Locomotives (electric/diesel/steam) Diesel/hydraulic hybrid

Freight Wagons (covered) / size GBHV 4 axle-32 tons net

Freight Wagons (flatbed) / size n/a

Freight Wagons (high-sided)/size 11 m x 2.6 m x 3.2 m

Freight Wagons (drop-side)/size N/A

Key Route Information

On many sections of the line, there is a common issue of water erosion and land subsidence causing foundation of trestles to erode which results in unevenness and dips in the rails. On sections where these conditions are present, trains must slow down to avoid accidents and derailing.

Page 7 Standard Route Information

Route A Route B Route C

Myo-Houng-(MDY)-YwaHtang-Kanblu-Kawlin-Indaw-Naba- YeU-KhinU Katha-Naba Myitkyina

Track gauge 1-meter, middle gauge 1-meter, middle gauge 1-meter, middle gauge

Ruling gradient 1 in 25 ft (Bon-Chaung, Nan Khan, Naba) 0 ft/ 300ft 1 in 25 ft

Total track distance (single and/or Single track Single track Single track double)

Type of rail (weight and if welded or Joint Connection, 39ft each Joint Connection, 39ft Joint Connection, 39ft not) each each

Type of sleeper and fastenings Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC

Total track travel time 19-hour drive 1-hour drive 1hour 50 min drive

Maintenance (Good, marginal, bad) Fair, water erosion Fair Fair

Companies-consortiums operating MR only MR only MR only online

Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly Daily Daily Daily /daily)

Security (Good, marginal, bad) Good (60%) Good Good

Main stations (Add details below) Myohaoung, Shwebo, Kawlin, Naba & Myitkyina Khin-U Naba

Key Stations

Key Station Information

Kawlin Wuntho Katha Kanbalu Ye-U

Location 23°47'29.51"N 23°54'0.43"N 95°41'31.97"E 24°10'37.09"N 96° 23° 22°45'6.33" 20'14.27"E Katha 12'14.67"N N 95° 95°40'42.25"E Kawlin Wuntho 24'56.23"E 95° 30'53.17"E Ye-U

Kanbalu

Contact U Zaw Min Tun (Dty. SM) Myint Thein (Station master) Tel: U Kyaw Win (SM) U Tin Ko U Zaw Information 09-43015978 (SM) Naing Soe 09-258988188 Tel:09-402737423 (SM) Tel: 075- U Khin Zaw (Dty. Supervisor) 27050 Tel:09- 792960497 / 27024 / 075- 40256

Multi-modal Road only Road only Road only Road only Road only Connections

(road /waterways /air)

Storage 225sqm/ 900cub m, suitable for temporary use as no No No No No Capacity good ventilation

(sqm and cubic meters)

Handling None None None None None Equipment

Page 8 Handling Manual only, Manual only, Manual only Manual Manual Capacity: only only Available from Tsp labor exchange office Available from Tsp labor exchange No MT / Hour, office standby TEU / Hour labor

Other Limited cargo is transported by Myanma Railways because MR does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of freight in transit. Comments Another factor is due to availability of other means of transport which can reach or trade door to door between buyers and seller for common informal trade activities in the area.

Kawlin and Wuntho rail stations are used to be busy for timber delivery to Yangon/Mandalay and for local paddy and noodle transportation to Myitkyina. However, after many heavy trucks were imported and operational in Myanmar in the recent years, the rail freight service share dropped more than 70%. up to only two train wagons traffic is operational on weekly basis. Yangon-Myitkyina or Mandalay-Myitkyina trains will have to stop at Kawlin when flash flood occurs, which is quite frequent during the rainy season. Kawlin station area is on a higher ground than other parts of town and generally it is safe from risk of flooding.

Indaw and Kanbalu station are minor stations on the main track of MyoHoung-Myitkyina (MDY) and there is no regular cargo wagon passing through. This line used to be busy for paddy and rice transportation for local growers and traders until road transportation becomes an alternative option for them.

Katha station (South) is the final station on the line that connects to the main track of Myitkyina-Myohoung (Mandalay) at Naba with a small block of passenger trains run in between. No freight wagon operational on this track. The Katha station (North) is no more in use as the rail track heading to Singan under Shwegu township of Kachin state is no longer operational due to poor construction and inefficiency compared to other available transportation means.

Ye-U Station is a less popular and except one bus and local train running for ferry, the line is no longer used for cargo wagon. It is one of the stations in the middle of Shwebo-KhinU track.

Kayah and Southern Shan State

The Loikaw railway station relates to one of the main stations at Tarzi Station and it is under Kalaw Division-4 which comprise of stations along Southern Shan and Kayah State. Among them, Aungban and Lawksawk are active station with cargo and passengers.

Distance (KM) and Travel Time (Hours) Matrix

Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (Hours / Days)

Loikaw Pekon Pinlong Aungban Kalaw Tharzi

Loikaw 36km/ 2h10m 86km/ 5h30 163km/ 10h30m 174km/ 11h25m 275km/ 18h15

Pekon 36km/ 2h10m 50km/ 3h20m 128km/ 5h 139km/ 1h5m 239km/ 16h50m

Pinlong 86km/ 5h30 50km/ 3h20m 78km/ 1h40m 89km/ 5h55m 189km/ 12h45m

Aungban 163km/ 10h30m 128km/5h 78km/ 1h40m 11km/ 1h5m 122km/ 7h35

Kalaw 174km/ 11h25m 139km/ 1h5m 89km/ 5h55m 11km/ 1h5m 101km/ 6hour30h

Tharzi 275km/ 18h15 239km/ 16h50m 189km/ 12h45m 122km/ 7h35 101km/ 6hour30h

Note: Banking locomotive is required for two points in between Kalaw and Tharzi.

Capacity Table

Rail Operator Capacity (Myanmar Railways)

Operates on (lines) Kalaw/Aungban (Division 4)

Max train length and/or pulling capacity 6 Mt (psg) + 28 Mt (parcel)

Locomotives (electric/diesel/steam) Diesel/hydraulic hybrid

Freight Wagons (covered) / size GBHV 4 axle-32 tons net

Freight Wagons (flatbed) / size n/a

Freight Wagons (high-sided)/size 11(m)x2.6(m)x 3.2(m)

Freight Wagons (drop-side)/size NA

Page 9 Key Route Information

On many sections of the line, there is a common issue of water erosion and land subsidence causing foundation of trestles to erode which results in unevenness and dips in the rails. On sections where these conditions are present, trains must slow down to avoid accidents and derailing.

Standard Route Information

Route A Route B Route C Loikaw-Aungban-Tarzi Lawksawk-Yangon Tarzi-Yangon

Track gauge 1-meter, middle gauge 1-meter, middle gauge 1-meter, middle gauge

Ruling gradient 1 in 40 ft 1 in 40 ft 0 ft/ 300ft

Total track distance (single Double track Double track Double track and/or double)

Type of rail (weight and if Joint Connection, 39ft each Joint Connection, 39ft each Joint Connection, 39ft each welded or not)

Type of sleeper and Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC fastenings

Total track travel time 275 Km to Tarzi in 18hours15min (15Km 217 Km to Tarzi in 14hours (16Km per 490km/16hours30 min to Yangon (30Km per hour in Average) hour in Average) per hour in Average)

Maintenance (Good, Fair Fair Good marginal, bad)

Companies-consortiums MR only MR only MR only operating online

Traffic frequency (monthly daily daily daily /weekly/daily)

Security (Good, marginal, Good Good Good bad)

Main stations (Add details Aungban and Tharzi Aungban, Tharzi and Yangon below)

Key Stations

Key Station Information

Loikaw Aungban Taunggyi

Location 19°39'58.16"N 20°39'14.54"N 20°44'51.99"N 97°13'11.61"E 96°37'56.41"E 97° 3'5.75"E

Loikaw Aungban Taunggyi

Contact U Kyaw Naing Station Master) Tel: 09-779846923 U Khin Maung Yi (Station master) Tel: 075- U Thant Zin (SM) Ph# 09- Information 60144 788314015 U Kyaw Naing Win (ASM) 09- 793900942

Multi-modal Road only Road only Road only Connections

(road /waterways /air)

Storage 54 sqm/ 600 cub m, there is no proper walling, it can be only 54 sqm/600cub meter. It is now being used as n/a Capacity used for temporary staff house

(sqm and cubic meters)

Page 10 Handling None None None Equipment

Handling Manual only, no standby labor Manual only, 10 daily laborers standby Manual only, no standby labor Capacity:

MT / Hour, TEU / Hour

Other Limited cargo is transported by Myanmar Railways because MR does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of freight in transit. Another factor Comments is due to availability of other means of transport which can reach or trade door to door between buyers and seller for common informal trade activities in the area.

Loikaw is an end-station. It connects to the main track at Aungban station. Only one scheduled train operates between Loikaw station and Tharzi station, while the Lawsawk station has regular scheduled direct train service up to Yangon. The Namsang and Mongnai was completely closed from Kalaw Division-4. Another station called Taunggyi station only operates one daily round-trip service between Taunggyi and Saikaung for 66 Km to serve local vegetable vendors. No other train service connects to main track of Aungban/Kalaw.

The ticket fare of ordinary class is MMK 2,300 per person and the first class is MMK3,100 from Loikaw to Tarzi. Freight charges for cargo is MMK 13.74 Ks from Loikaw to Tharzi.

Bago, Naypyitaw and Magway region

Distance and Travel Time Matrix

Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (Hours / Days)

Yangon Bago Taungoo Pyinmana NayPyitaw Taungdwingi

Yangon 74.8 km / 1hour 45mins 202.8 km / 6hour 15mins 362.2 km / 8hour 40mins 375 km / 9 hours 412km / 12hour30m

Bago 74.8km / 1hour45m 128 km/ 4h30m 287.4 km / 6h55m 300.2 km / 7h15m different route

Taungoo 202.8 km / 6hour15m 128 km/ 4hour 30m 159.4 km / 2hour 25m 172.2 km / 2hour 45m different route

Pyinmana 362.2 km / 8hour40m 287.4 km / 6h55m 159.4 km / 2h25m 12.8km / 20min different route

Naypyitaw 375 km / 9 hours 300.2 km / 7h15m 172.2km / 2h45m 12.8km /20min 120km / 4hour15m

Taungdwingi 412km / 12hour30m different route different route different route 120km / 4hour15m

Capacity Table

Rail Operator Capacity

Operator / Company

Myanmar Railway (MR)

Operates on (lines) Mandalay (Division 3)

Sagaing (Division 10, 2)

Magway (Division 11)

Bago (Division 6)

Max train length and/or pulling capacity 500 MT, for uphill 300MT (Shan state)

Locomotives (electric/diesel/steam) Diesel/hydraulic hybrid

Diesel/electric hybrid

Freight Wagons (covered) / size GBHV 4 axle-31 tons net

Page 11 Freight Wagons (flatbed) / size WBY, WBYB – 28 tons net

WBXV – 28 tons

SMBV – 31 tons

Freight Wagons (high-sided)/size 36 ft 6 inch by 8ft 6 inch height 10ft 6 inches

Freight Wagons (drop-side)/size NA

Key Route Information

On many sections of the line, there is a common issue of water erosion and land subsidence causing foundation of trestles to erode which results in unevenness and dips in the rails. On sections where these conditions are present, trains must slow down to avoid accidents and derailing.

Standard Route Information

Route A Route B Route C Route D

Yangon-Bago- Magway-Taungdwingyi-Pyimina Yangon-Aunglan-Bagan-Pakokku Yangon-Pyay NayPyitaw

Track gauge 1-meter, middle gauge 1-meter, middle gauge 1-meter, middle gauge 1-meter, middle gauge

Ruling gradient 0 ft/ 300ft 0 ft/ 300ft 1ft/ 60ft 1ft/ 60ft

Total track distance Double track Double track Double track Double track (single and/or double)

Type of rail (weight and if Joint Connection, 39ft Joint Connection, 39ft each Joint Connection, 39ft each Joint Connection, welded or not) each 39ft each

Type of sleeper and Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC fastenings

Total track travel time 1h45m Yangon to Bago 83km/3hour45m to Taungdwingyi, 203km 318km/ 8hour Yangon to Aunglan 258km/ 6hour /8hours to Naypyitaw Yangon Pyay 259km/ 9hour:25m to Bagan, 32 km /1hour 20 min to Pakokku

Maintenance (Good, Fair. Area before Bago Fair Fair Fair marginal, bad) can get flooded

Companies-consortiums MR only MR only MR only MR only operating online

Traffic frequency (monthly Express 3x/day Express1x/day Express2x/day Express 1x/day /weekly/daily) Local 2x/day to NayPyitaw 1 express to NayPyitaw 1 express to Pyay, no cargo trains no cargo trains cargo 2x/day Cargo 2x/day

Security (Good, marginal, Good Good Good Good bad)

Main stations (Add details Bago, Tangoo, Pyinmana Magway, Taungdwingyi, Lewe, Pyimana, Yangon Tharyarwaddy below) Naypyitaw Shwedaga (Pyay), Aunglan, Nyaung-U

Note:

Upgrade work funded by ADB and European Investment Bank on the railway line between Yangon-Pyay are expected to commence in 2021 and is scheduled to finish in 2024. Currently, this is the busiest link in the country representing 75% of total passenger traffic.[2]

Key Stations

Key Station Information

Bago Taungoo Pyinmana NayPyitaw Taungdwingyi

N17 20’ 04.7”, E96 28’ 31.7”, Bago N18 56’ 06.3”, E96 26’ 15.2”, Taungoo N19 44’ 09.6”, E96 12’ N19 50’ 53.5”, E96 11’ 44.0”, N20 00’ 07.4”, E95 32’ 23.7”, Pyinmana Naypyitaw 25.9”, Taungdwingyi

Page 12 U Sein Win Tun (Dept. Station U Kyaw Moe Lwin (Station master) U Nyint Thein (Station U Khin Thaw (Station Master) U Hla Yi Master) Tel: 052-2221508 , Tel: 09-402660745, 067-23308 Master) tel: 067-22508, tel: 09-797397910, 067-77133 (station master) tel: 09-250 09454700447 544 185 / 063-50374

Road only Road only Road only Road only Road only

Used by Shwe Than Lwin co. 24x12m, opposite station at 2 disused Storage on platform 2/3 Storage available: 12x12m. Storage available 7x7m, (railway maintenance) rails, can be accessed from roadside More cargo activity as But less cargo activity as limited cargo is being Naypyitaw station Pyinmana station handled 36x15m.

No other storage

none None None Cargo dolly’s None

Manual only Manual only, 10 daily laborers Manual only Manual only Manual only Normally limited cargo is being managed

Limited cargo is transported by Myanma Railways because MR does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of freight in transit.

Key Station Information

Aunglan Pyay Magway

Location N19 20’ 57.0”, E95 13’ 30.4”, Aunglan N18 49’ 12.5”, E95 12’ 59.3”, Pyay N20 07’ 23.3”, E94 56’ 31.8”, Magway

Contact Information U Aung Naing Htay (Station Master) Tel: 09- U Soe Hla (Dept. Station Master) Tel: 09- U Tin Thein (Station Master) Tel: 09- 777901775 09401588815 256041457

Multi-modal Road only Road only Road only Connections

(road/waterways/air)

Storage Capacity None. Limited cargo is being handled 10x20m at station, handle mostly luggage. None

(sqm and cubic meters)

Handling Equipment None none None

Handling Capacity: Manual Only Manual only Manual only

MT / Hour, TEU / Hour

Other Comments Pyay is an end-station. Magway is an end-station

Pyay is an end-station. It connects at Shwedaga station to the line from Yangon to Nyaung-U. The distance between Pyay to Shwedaga is only 3 miles. From Pyay station, there are direct trains to:

Pyay - Yangon: 161 miles / 8 hours. Pyay - Naypyitaw: 160.2 mi / 10hour 30min. Frequency: Express to Naypyitaw 1/day, to Yangon 1/day.

Railway station Pyay

Page 13 Storage Pyay Station

Picture (left): Railway station Bago

Picture (right): Railway station Taungoo

Picture (left): Storage Taungoo station

Page 14 Picture (right): Storage Naypyitaw station

Picture (left): Railway station Naypyidaw

Picture (left): Railway station Pyinmana

Picture (right): Railway station Taungdwingyi

Page 15 Picture (left): Railway station Aunglan

Picture (left): Railway station Magway

Mandalay and Sagaing region

Distance and Travel Time Matrix

Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (Hours / Days)

Yangon Naypyitaw Nyaung-U Pakokku Mandalay Monywa

Yangon 375 km / 9 hours 579 km / 17.5 hours 613 km / 18.5 hours 629 km / 14 hours 739 km / 22.3 hours

Naypyitaw 375 km / 9 hours 254 km / 6 hours 320 km / 11 hours 254 km / 6 hours 420 km / 12 hours

Nyaung-U 579 km / 17.5 hours 254 km / 6 hours 33.8 km / 1 hour 192.7 km / 7.5 hours 133 km / 5.5 hours

(Bagan)

Pakokku 613 km / 18.5 hour 320 km / 11 hours 33.8 km / 1 hours 174 km / 5.5 hours 99.7 km / 4.5 hours

Mandalay 629 km / 14 hour 254 km / 6 hours 192.7 km / 7.5hours 174 km / 5.5hours 109.4 km / 4.8 hours

Monywa 739 km / 22.3 hour 420 km / 12 hours 133 km / 5.5 hours 99.7 km / 4.5 hours 109.4 km / 4.8 hours.

Note: The destinations from Mandalay to locations in regions North East such as Myitkyina, Lashio, Kalaw are not included in this matrix.

Capacity Table

Rail Operator Capacity (Myanmar Railway)

Operates on (lines) Mandalay (Division 3)

Sagaing (Division 10, 2)

Magway (Division 11)

Page 16 Max train length and/or pulling capacity 500 MT, for uphill 300MT (Shan state)

Locomotives (electric/diesel/steam) Diesel/hydraulic hybrid

Diesel/electric hybrid

Freight Wagons (covered) / size GBHV 4 axle-31 tons net

Freight Wagons (flatbed) / size WBY, WBYB – 28 tons net

WBXV – 28 tons

SMBV – 31 tons

Freight Wagons (high-sided)/size 36 ft 6 inch by 8ft 6 inch height 10ft 6 inches

Freight Wagons (drop-side)/size NA

Key Route Information

On many sections of the line, there is a common issue of water erosion and land subsidence causing foundation of trestles to erode which results in unevenness and dips in the rails. On sections where these conditions are present, trains must slow down to avoid accidents and derailing.

Standard Route Information

Route A Route B Route C

Yangon-NayPyiTaw-Mandalay Yangon-Nyaung-U- Pakokku-Mandalay Pakokku

Track gauge 1-meter, middle gauge 1-meter, middle gauge 1-meter, middle gauge

Ruling gradient 1 ft/ 300ft 1 ft/ 300ft 1 ft/ 300ft

Total track distance (single and Double iron, between Pleik and Myinge a bridge is built, single track Single iron Single iron /or double) until July 2016

Type of rail (weight and if welded Joint Connection, 39ft each Joint Connection, 39ft Joint Connection, 39ft each or not) each

Type of sleeper and fastenings Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC

Total track travel time 14 hours Yangon to Mandalay 7.5 hours Yangon to 7.5 hours Nyaung-U to Nyaung-U Mandalay

Maintenance (Good, marginal, Fair, water erosion Good Good bad)

Companies-consortiums MR only MR only MR only operating online

Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly 4 per day, (3 express) 1 per day Currently Suspended /daily)

Security (Good, marginal, bad) Good Good Good

Standard Route Information

Route D Route E Route F Pakokku-NayPyiTaw Mandalay-Monywa Mandalay to Myitkyina

Track gauge 1-meter, middle gauge 1-meter, middle gauge 1-meter, middle gauge

Ruling gradient 0 ft 0 ft

Total track distance (single and/or double) Single iron Single iron. Single iron 76.75 mi/ 5hours. 1 train/day

Type of rail (weight and if welded or not) Joint Connection, 39ft each Joint Connection, 39ft each Joint Connection, 39ft each

Page 17 Type of sleeper and fastenings Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC Cobar (China), ABC

Total track travel time 4hour 50min

Maintenance (Good, marginal, bad) Fair, water erosion Marginal, water erosion Fair, water erosion

Companies-consortiums operating online MR only MR only MR only

Traffic frequency (monthly/weekly/daily) 1 per day 5 per day to Myitkyina 6 per day to Myitkyina

Security (Good, marginal, bad) Good Good Good

Main stations (Add details below) Bagan, Taungdwin Mandalay, Sagaing, Shwebo, Khin-U, Monywa Shwebo

Route B: Nyaung-U station is on the line from Yangon, via Bagan to Pakokku, daily trains. There are also 2 x daily trains from Nyaung-U to Mandalay.

Route E: From Mandalay there is a loop to Monywa. From Khin-U the line continues North to Myitkyina (Kachin State). There are five express trains per day from Shwebo to Myitkyina and 2 local trains per day. There are three destinations from Monywa: Mandalay, Pakokku, Khin-U. From Monywa to Pakokku, one day-trip train operates daily.

Route D: Pakkoko-Naypyitaw: The line connects at Sathwar to the main line from Yangon to Naypyitaw. Quality of the rail track is relatively good, but this line is only used for passenger service. Cargo for Pakokku will be routed via Mandalay. From Pakokku to Kyaw (94 miles to the westward), a small passenger train operates on daily basis.

Route Pakkoku to Kale: This route is interrupted due to landslides at the tunnel of Bon Nyar hill between Kyaw and Yae Myat Ni (for 33.8 km) and at Kanbani bridge between Gangaw and Kale station, 50 km from Kale. Only passenger trains operate between Pakokku to Kyaw and between Yae Myat Ni and Gangaw and between Gangaw and Kale. Kanbani bridge was repaired in 2016 and government is constructing new bridge to replace the old one, however, the line between Kyaw and Yae Myat Ni is not planned to be repaired. For this reason, Pakokku to Kale is not recommended as a key route.

Key Stations

Key Station Information

Mandalay Monywa Shwebo Nyaung-U Pakokku

Location Mandalay Monywa Shwebo Nyaung-U Pakokku 21°58'37.87"N, 96° 5'9.51"E 22° 06' 56.4"N, 22°34'59.79"N, 21°09'15.24"N, 94°56'06.02"E 22°21'40.91"N, 95°06'33.42"E 95° 08' 11.3"E 95°41'39.14"E

Contact U Myint Thein (Dept. Station Master) U Ko Oo (Dept. U Hla Zaw One U Nyan Tint (Dept. Station U Soe Min (Station Master), Tel: Information Tel: 09-429339636, 02-35069 Headmaster) (Dept. Station Master) Tel: +95-9-794860552 95-9-978270611/ 062-22068 Tel: 09- Master) 400546525 +95-9-782824372 Tel: +95-75- 21029

Multi-modal Road only Road only Road only Road only Road only Connections

Storage None, only RRD site. Yes 13x8m, 10x8=80 sq.m. No storage. No storage Capacity roof damaged

Handling Can handle 40ft containers Manual labor Manual labor Manual labor only Manual labor only. Equipment only only

Handling 4-8 TEU/ hour n/a n/a n/a n/a Capacity

Other Limited cargo is transported through rail freight because MR does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of freight in transit. Comments

Cargo Terminal, Mandalay

Cargo from and to Yangon is being handled at Myo Houng Railway terminal in Mandalay (21° 56' 12.3"N, 96° 04' 55.4"E) near the RRD warehouses about 2 miles from Mandalay main station, close to the old airport. There is a covered cargo terminal used for manual transshipment to trucks and a yard with an operational gantry crane of 40MT & 16MT capacity, which can handle 20ft and 40ft containers (21° 56' 11.8"N, 96° 05' 12.7"E). Container traffic is unfortunately remaining low in volume.

A newly established Myitnge Dry Port also offers Freight train cargo by Myanmar Railway. It runs 2 times a week between Mandalay Myitnge Dry Port and Yangon Ywar Thar Gyi Dry Port route using a total of 27 wagons with max loading capacity at 32 tons / wagon (Wagon Payload Dimension: Max width 8’, height 8’6”, length 40’).

Page 18 For more info, please kindly visit Myitnge Dry Port. https://www.rglogisticsmm.com/mdy-dry-port

[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/how-poor-rail-connectivity-is-acting-as-a-hindrance-to-indias-act-east-policy/articleshow /71665523.cms

[2] https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/making-inroads-infrastructure-projects-pipeline-are-aimed-improving-national-and-regional

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