YANGON: The Pyin Oo Lwin–Gokteik–Pyin Oo Lwin sightseeing train service on the Mandalay–Lashio railway line has recorded strong passenger demand, according to official sources.
Operated by Myanmar Railways under the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the scenic train service was launched on December 19, 2025, to promote domestic and international tourism.
The service allows passengers to experience the historic Gokteik Viaduct and enjoy natural landscapes, including mountains, forests and rivers along the route.
The sightseeing trains, designated as Gokteik (1) Pyin Oo Lwin–Gokteik and Gokteik (2) Gokteik–Pyin Oo Lwin, currently operate every Saturday and Sunday.
From the start of operations until January 29, 2026, a total of 13 regular sightseeing trips were operated, carrying 621 passengers. In addition, package charter services were provided using RBE first-class carriages with a capacity of 24 passengers for eight trips, and RBE ordinary-class carriages with a capacity of 40 passengers for six trips, transporting a combined total of 432 passengers.
Full train charter services were also arranged for schools in Pyin Oo Lwin. On January 12 and 16, a total of 540 students and teachers from Snow Queen Private High School were transported.
On January 28, 300 students and teachers from Maymyo Private High School traveled on a train consisting of five ordinary-class carriages. On January 29, another 300 students and teachers from Pyinya Shwe Yaung Private High School near Pyin Oo Lwin Station travelled on a train comprising four ordinary-class and two first-class carriages.
Overall, from the launch of the service to January 29, 2026, a total of 2,193 passengers travelled on the Pyin Oo Lwin–Gokteik sightseeing train service, officials said.
The Pyin Oo Lwin- Gokteik, Gokteik -Pyin Oo Lwin RBE train can carry 40 passengers. The Gokteik (1) RBE train departs from Pyin Oo Lwin Station at 8:00 AM and arrives at Got Teik Station at 11:30 AM.
The Gokteik (2) RBE train departs from Gokteik Station at 12:30 PM and arrives at Pyin Oo Lwin Station at 4:00 PM. It will stop at PweKauk, Wet Wan, Sam Se, and Naung Cho Stations along the way.
Similarly, the RGC train, which can carry 20 passengers from Gokteik Station to the scenic spot over the Gokteik Bridge, is being operated at a rate of 5,000 kyats (US$2.38) per person.
The Pyin Oo Lwin- Gokteik round-trip train runs regularly on weekends and holidays. If you want to rent the entire RBE train for a specific date, it will cost 720,000 kyats for a round trip with 24 passengers in an upper class coach.
Similarly, to accommodate 150 passengers or more, the train will be connected by a 30-seat upper class coach, a 60-seat ordinary coach, and a brake coach. In addition to the Pyin Oo Lwin- Gokteik -Pyin Oo Lwin route, it will also run from Zee Pin Gyi, Aneesakhan, and Thone Taung Stations.
The round trip for the Pyin Oo Lwin- Gokteik -Pyin Oo Lwin- Gokteik -Pyin Oo Lwin will cost 15,000 kyats per person in ordinary class and 30,000 kyats per person in upper class. Since the service started from Aneesakhan, it has charged 20,000 kyats per person in ordinary class and 35,000 kyats per person in upper class. - Eleven Media/ANN
