YANGON: Myanma Railways (MR) has announced that the No.5 Up and No.6 Down Yangon–Mandalay express trains began operating on May 1 using modern air-conditioned DEMU coaches.
The upgrade of the Yangon–Taungoo railway section was completed with Japan’s Official Development Assistance loan, while the Taungoo–Nay Pyi Taw and Nay Pyi Taw–Mandalay sections were upgraded with state funding.
These improvements aim to increase train speeds, reduce travel time and enhance passenger comfort along the Yangon–Mandalay main line.
The inauguration ceremony for the No.5 Up Yangon–Mandalay modern DEMU train was held at Yangon Central Station on May 1, attended by Yangon Region Chief Minister Aung Naing Thu, Deputy Minister for Transport Aung Myaing, regional ministers, the ministry’s permanent secretary, MR officials, guests and local residents.
Passengers traveling to Mandalay were welcomed and presented with commemorative gifts before the train departed at 6 am.
A similar ceremony for the No.6 Down Mandalay–Yangon DEMU train took place at Mandalay Central Station the same morning, attended by Mandalay Region Chief Minister Myo Aung, regional ministers, MR officials, guests and local residents.
At Nay Pyi Taw Railway Station, MR’s Managing Director and staff welcomed passengers from both trains and presented souvenirs to those traveling onward to Yangon and Mandalay.
Each train consists of six coaches with a total capacity of 312 passengers—four first-class and two upper-class coaches.
Fares are set at 34,000 kyats (US$16) for first class and 48,000 kyats for upper class. The route includes stops at Toe Kyaung Kalay, Bago, Nyaunglebin, Taungoo, Pyinmana, Nay Pyi Taw, Yamethin, Thazi, and Kyaukse.
The No.5 Up train departs Yangon at 6 am and arrives in Mandalay at 4 pm, while the No.6 Down train leaves Mandalay at 6 am and reaches Yangon at 4:10 pm, reducing total travel time to around 10 hours.
In addition to these services, MR continues to operate the No.11 Up and No.12 Down passenger express trains on the same route.
Previously, the journey between Yangon and Mandalay took about 19 hours, but with track upgrades, modern signalling systems and improved locomotives, travel time has been significantly reduced, offering faster and more comfortable journeys for passengers. - Eleven Media/ANN
