Myitkyina-Mogok railway line marks two years since reopening

The Myitkyina-Mogok railway section, which reopened on July 21, has marked its second anniversary, according to local residents and parliamentary representatives. The railway line extends from Myitkyina city to Mogok city, covering a distance of 110 miles, over 163 miles of track, and includes 33 stations. Previously, trains departed from Myitkyina and Mogok cities at 6 AM, but the service has now been changed to depart at 7 AM. One train passenger stated that while previously only five coaches were used, the service has now been increased to six coaches. An employee said, "For us employees, it's like winning the lottery that we have a train. Before, we couldn't dare to go home because our salaries would be gone. Now, for about 30,000 kyats, we can travel round trip. On Saturdays and Sundays, students who have never ridden a train fill it up to capacity." The fare for the Myitkyina-Mogok railway is 15,000 kyats for ordinary class and 25,000 kyats for first class, it is known. U Soe Win, the People's Hluttaw representative for Mogok Township, said, "I have to say there has been no sabotage. A few days after it reopened, the railway track was removed near Hopin-Cha Gyi. Another one was near Mogok, Nanma, and Ingyingone. The railway track was removed. But now, both the flow of goods and the movement of people are convenient. The fewer the obstacles, the better. Preparations are also underway to extend the line to Nansiaung. Having a railway line is a lifeline for the people of this region," he said. Furthermore, U Sai Lin, who makes a living through agriculture in Mogok city, said that it will be very beneficial for the flow of goods for Myitkyina District, which has a population of over 500,000, and Mogok District, which has a population of over 600,000. From 2011 to 2025, bomb attacks on railway lines frequently occurred within Kachin State. After the political change on February 1, 2021, the railway tracks between Mezha-Thechaung, the road bridge between Mogok-Nan Yin Chaung, the road bridge between Mawlu-Seipin, the No. 555 between Kadu-Mohan stations, the railway and road bridge over Sawet Chaung at the exit towards Myitkyina from Hopin town, and the Wakun bridge at the exit of Hopin town were bombed. According to records, railway lines were constructed from Shwebo to Sagaing in 1891, to Wuntho in 1893, to Katha in 1895, to Mogaung in 1897, and to Myitkyina in 1898. The Sagaing Bridge, construction of which began in 1927, was completed in 1934, contributing to the development of transportation in Upper Myanmar.