Systematic effort urged to save heritage sites

Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by Joint Executive Chief General Ye Win Oo of the National Defence and Security Council and officials, yesterday inspected the maintenance and preservation of ancient cultural heritage sites in ancient Ketumati City, Toungoo, Bago Region.

The Senior General looked into agricultural activities and living conditions on his way along the Yangon-Mandalay Highway from Nay Pyi Taw to Toungoo.

Arriving in Toungoo, the Senior General inspected Yodaya Gate in the eastern wall, the excavation and maintenance of the part of the western wall, the water moat, and the outer circular way of the wall in ancient Ketumati city. After hearing the reports submitted by Bago Region Chief Minister U Myo Swe Win and officials from the Department of Archaeology and National Museum, the Senior General gave guidance that strenuous efforts must be made to successfully conduct excavation of the ancient wall and the moat of ancient Ketumati city of Toungoo established by King Mingyi Nyo (AD 1485-1531). It is necessary to explore the bridge leading to the ancient city and the bridge designs, and build these structures in appropriate sites. Moreover, the Senior General stressed the need to move the necessary ministerial buildings. And, cultural heritage sites set under the law must be preserved systematically, and necessary instructions.

At Toungoo railway station, the Senior General heard reports by Union Minister for Transport and Communications U Mya Tun Oo on facts about the axis of railway and the railroads related to construction of the Toungoo detour railway, a plan to build new Toungoo railway station, setting the railway area and the motor road area leading to the railway station, soil-filling works and progress of the projects.In his response, the Senior General gave guidance that emphasis must be placed on the construction of the quality railway and the new railway station in relevant procedures, meeting the set standards for long-term existence and left necessary instructions.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla and his entourage rode the 8-down Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon DEMU passenger express train, which left Nay Pyi Taw Railway Station, together with passengers from Toungoo railway station to Yangon railway station. On the way, the Senior General viewed maintenance works for strengthening of railway sections, situations on the riding of passengers in carriages, services of Myanma Railways for the people to conveniently make relevant trips, agricultural activities along both sides of the railway, and development of urban and rural areas. In giving guidance over the reports by officials, the Senior General stressed the need to continuously carry out strengthening and systematic operations of railways. Proper landscape and drainage activities must be arranged along both sides of the railways. It is necessary to reclaim systematic farmlands along both sides of the railways. Emphasis must be placed on keeping station yards and station buildings neat and tidy. Small forests must be established in the railway areas to be green and beautified. Efforts must be made to give services to convenience of train passengers, attract internal and international travellers and secure reliance of people over the rail transport as the public transportation.

The Senior General, his wife and party arrived at Yangon railway station, where they cordially greeted staff members of Myanma Railways.

Operation of Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw and Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon DEMU passenger express trains started on the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw railway section on 28 February 2025. The trains take some five and a half hours on the trip. Running these new trains helps passengers along their routes reach relevant destinations in a short time, conveniently and cost-effectively.

MNA/TTA

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