Yangon-Pyay route begins operation with new DEMU train sets

The Yangon-Pyay-Yangon route has begun operation with new modern Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train sets since the morning of July 31. The opening ceremony for the operation of the modern DEMU train sets on the No. 73 Up and No. 74 Down trains on the Yangon-Pyay railway line, implemented under the new government's 100-day plan, was held at Yangon Central Railway Station at 5:30 AM on July 31. Union Minister for Transport and Digital Development and Communications, U Myo Thunt, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Aung Naing Soe, regional government ministers, and invited guests attended the opening ceremony. Union Minister U Myo Thunt stated that due to the current fuel shortage, the government is working to expand public transportation systems and provide affordable transportation to make travel easier and more convenient for the citizens and to accelerate the flow of goods. It was stated that under the government's 100-day plan, Myanmar Railways has been able to launch operations on the Yangon-Mandalay round trip, Yangon-Mawlamyine round trip, Myitkyina-Mogaung-Mokoke route, and the Yangon-Pyay-Yangon round trip with modern air-conditioned DEMU trains. The No. 73 Up and No. 74 Down Yangon-Pyay-Yangon DEMU train, which is now in operation, will depart from Yangon Central Railway Station at 5:30 AM and arrive at Pyay Station at 11:30 AM. It will depart from Pyay Station at 1:00 PM and arrive back at Yangon Central Railway Station at 7:00 PM, with a travel time of approximately 6 hours. The train will stop at stations such as Thanyin Gyi, Thayarwady, Letpan Tan, Min Hla, Kyauk Pin Gone, Nat Ta Lin, and Pounte. The train set consists of 2 First Class coaches and 4 Second Class coaches. The fare for the entire Yangon-Pyay-Yangon route is set at 20,000 Kyats per ticket for First Class and 15,000 Kyats per ticket for Second Class. On the Yangon-Pyay railway line, the No. 71 Up and No. 72 Down express trains with air suspension and the No. 73 Up and No. 74 Down DEMU express trains are in operation, and train tickets can be purchased through the ORTP online system. It is understood that for online purchases, tickets must be bought 7 days in advance for the entire journey and 5 days in advance for intermediate stations. The modern DEMU train set, which is about to commence operation on the Yangon-Pyay railway line, was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Union Minister U Myo Thunt and the Yangon Region Chief Minister, and the departing locomotive was also sprinkled with fragrant water. Following that, the Union Minister presented souvenirs to the passengers on board and pressed the start button to officially launch the DEMU train for the Yangon-Pyay-Yangon route.