DEMU Train Service Launched: Yangon–Mawlamyine–Yangon route train service launched

The Myanma Railways under the Ministry of Transport has been upgrading railway lines and introducing modern Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train sets to provide more convenient travel for passengers. Following the successful operation of DEMU passenger services on the Yangon–Nay Pyi Taw–Yangon and Yangon–Mandalay–Yangon routes, which have received strong public support and high passenger demand, Myanma Railways has begun operating modern air-conditioned DEMU express trains on the Yangon–Mawlamyine railway line from 1st July. The new services comprise Train No. 83 (up) from Yangon to Mawlamyine and Train No. 84 (down) from Mawlamyine to Yangon. The inaugural ceremony for the launch of Train No. 83 (up), the modern air-conditioned DEMU service from Yangon to Mawlamyine, was held in the morning at Platform No. 1 of Yangon Central Railway Station. The Yangon Region Chief Minister U Aung Naing Thu, Deputy Minister for Transport, Yangon Region Minister for Electricity, Energy, Industry and Transport, and the General Manager (Operations) of Myanma Railways jointly inaugurated the train by cutting the ceremonial ribbon. The train departed at 5:00 a.m., with the Deputy Minister and officials travelling on board to Mawlamyine. A similar inauguration ceremony for Train No. 84 (down), the modern air-conditioned DEMU service from Mawlamyine to Yangon, was held at Platform No. 1 of Mawlamyine Railway Station. The train was officially inaugurated by Mon State Chief Minister U Aung Win Than, the Speaker of the Mon State Hluttaw, the Commander of Southeast-Command, and the Deputy Minister for Transport. The train departed at 12:00 noon, with the Mon State Chief Minister and officials accompanying the journey as far as Kyaikto Station. Each modern air-conditioned DEMU train set operating as Train No. 83 (up) and Train No. 84 (down) consists of two Upper Class coaches and four First Class coaches, accommodating a total of 290 passengers, including 66 in Upper Class and 224 in First Class. The fare for the full journey is 22,000 kyat for Upper Class and 16,000 kyat for First Class. Along the Yangon–Mawlamyine–Yangon route, the trains will stop at six stations including Toekyaunkalay , Bago, Theinzayat , Kyaikto, Thaton, and Paung. In addition, tickets for the existing Train No. 81 (up) and Train No. 82 (down) express passenger services on the Yangon–Mawlamyine route, as well as the newly introduced Train No. 83 (up) and Train No. 84 (down) modern DEMU express services, can be purchased through the Online Railways Ticketing and Payment System (ORTP). Tickets may be booked up to seven days in advance for the full route and up to five days in advance for journeys between intermediate stations.