DPM MoTC Union Minister inspects damage and repair progress on railways, bridges

 

Deputy Prime Minister Union Minister for Transport and Communications General Mya Tun Oo led an inspection of railways and bridges in Mandalay Region yesterday, damaged by recent heavy rainfalls. Officials from the ministry and Myanma Railways accompanied him.

During the morning inspection, General Mya Tun Oo arrived at Yamethin Station, where he boarded a railway inspection vehicle to examine damage caused by flooding along the Yangon-Mandalay railway. Specifically, between mileposts 271/16-17, both tracks of the Up and Down lines were found to have suffered erosion, with around 30 feet of embankment washed away.

The inspection continued between Yamethin and Ingyinkan stations, where additional erosion damage was observed near milepost 277/1-3. Additionally, the inspection team checked bridge No 515, which had been severely impacted on its Mandalay side due to the erosion of its abutments near milepost 277/7-8.

Later in the day, the Deputy Prime Minister visited the site of bridge No 529, located between Shwedah and Pyawbwe stations. The bridge, a 100-foot Bailey structure, had partially collapsed due to the force of floodwaters.

At Pyawbwe station, he met officials from Myanma Railways, including those from head office and regional divisions. They discussed the widespread damage caused by the recent storm that swept through the eastern parts of Myanmar, bringing torrential rainfall that severely affected railways across Bago Region, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and Mandalay Region. The lines most impacted included the Yangon-Mandalay railway and the southern Shan State route from Thazi to Shwenyaung-Taunggyi. Due to the damage, rail services had been temporarily suspended, disrupting passenger and freight transport.

To expedite the restoration of railway operations, the Union minister directed staff to allocate resources efficiently, including workforce, materials, and logistical support, across the affected regions. He emphasized the need for systematic supervision to ensure rapid repairs, especially on critical sections of the railway. He also highlighted the importance of setting appropriate speed limits once the repairs are completed, managing outdated tracks and sleepers, and ensuring the cleanliness and maintenance of station areas.

In the afternoon, General Mya Tun Oo inspected further erosion destruction along the Up and Down lines between Pyawbwe and Shanywa stations. He noted areas where rail ballast had been washed away and directed officials to increase the use of machinery to ensure faster, more effective repairs. He also urged adherence to safety standards throughout the repair process.

Repair and restoration work is ongoing, and authorities are taking all necessary measures to beef up repair work with use of heavy machinery.

MNA/KZL

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