The revamp project was launched almost a year ago and is aimed at cutting travel time and rising the overall travel comfort through an upgrade of the existing facilities. New disel eletric trains will be added to the rolling stock, the maximum operating speed of the trains will reach 60 kmph compared to the current 48 kmph and the waiting time will be reduced significantly: during peak hours trains will run at 10–12 minute intervals.
The project is budgeted by Myanmar Railways funds and a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The government budget covers upgrade of the tracks and drainage system, superstructuring of platforms, consrtuction and restoration of bridges and signal houses. The loan will be used on the upgrade of signal systems, construction of level crossings as well as purchase of 63 new diesel electric multiple unit carriages.
The circular train is an important part of Yangon's public transportation system. Every day, over 70,000 commuters use the circular train. In 2022, when the upgrade of the circular railway is completed, this number is expected to reach 260,000 commuters.
Yangon Circular Railway Upgrade Set for Completion in 2022
News in Asia
The upgrade of the Yangon Circular Railway will be completed in 2022. When ready, it will take 110 minutes to circumnavigate the city, about one hour less then now.