Myanmar Railways in January 2007

Manfred Schoeler reports:

1. Myanmar Railways Timetable

There was a major change in train timings in autumn 2006. There are no night trains on the Yangon – Mandalay section. Trains should depart early morning from Yangon and Mandalay. For more information check http://www.seat61.com/Burma.htm

2. Steam Locomotives

No change here – steam is in use for freight trains on the Yangon – Mandalay main line and the Bago – Mottama line.
YD 970 waiting at Bago in January 2007

Insein works has the following collection:
YB: 526, 528, 529, 532, 533, 536, 543
YC: 621, 622, 623, 624, 625
A: 144 (4-6-4T)
ST: 753, 754, 762, 770, 772 going through works but waiting for boiler tubes
GC 837 and SL 3 plinthed

Loco list:

A 144 (4-6-4T) at Insein works

Overhauled steam crane 35 TSC.9885 at Insein works - for pictures of another Burma steam crane, click here.

YB 534 at Bago shed – a few days earlier she was on duty with a special on the Yangon Circular Railway.

3. Security situation

Since last year the authorities have tried to improve the security situation in railway transportation. So major railway stations are fenced again, passengers or visitors are checked when entering the station. Bago yard is guarded now and there are new walls blocking the footpaths crossing the railway tracks. The Yangon - Mandalay Line is guarded now as well - north of Pyuntaza there are guard posts every 200 - 500 meters. Even when there are no visible posts, the local farmers are requested to report any suspicious subject to the local authorities. It is forbidden to walk along railway lines at nighttime. Especially in the Nyaunglebin area the situation is quite tense and it is not advisable to walk on the tracks at night. For photography it is helpful to have an official permit from the Railway Headquarter in Yangon or at least to have some railway pictures explaining what you are doing there.

(This was quite noticeable travelling north by train in February 2007. For instance Toungoo station has lost its excellent refreshment stall serving packed lunches. However, north of the Pyinmana area, things seemed a lot more relaxed still. RD.)