President urges domestic production of battery-powered locomotives

President U Min Aung Hlaing said Myanmar is working to ensure an adequate electricity supply under the current circumstances and is encouraging the domestic production, installation and use of battery-powered locomotives on selected railway routes.

The President made the remarks during a visit to the Myanma Railways (MR) Diesel Locomotive Factory (Mahlwagon) under the Ministry of Transport on the morning of July 28, accompanied by the Yangon Region Chief Minister, the Commander of Yangon Command and other officials.

During the visit, he stressed the importance of continuously conducting research to improve the quality of domestically produced locomotives and ensuring that railway equipment is manufactured to high standards of quality and durability. He also called for the systematic construction of staff accommodation to improve the welfare of railway employees.

The President instructed that construction projects be completed within the designated fiscal year and that steam locomotives be preserved and operated in their original condition. He also emphasized strengthening the railway network through the systematic installation of ballast and rail tracks, restoring rail lines that are currently out of service, and carrying out regular inspections and maintenance of locomotives based on scheduled operating hours.

Noting that rail transport is widely used by the public, the President said efforts should be made to ensure punctual train services, maintain passenger coaches in good condition, and provide passengers with safe, orderly and comfortable travel.

On the future development of the railway sector, the President said that as Myanmar is striving to secure sufficient electricity supplies, the government is promoting the domestic production and installation of battery-powered locomotives for use on selected railway routes.

He also called for the construction of railway overpasses at busy level crossings and preparations for an underground railway system in Yangon. Future technical requirements should be taken into account when building railway infrastructure, rolling stock and related facilities, he said.

The President further emphasized the need to prepare for the future operation of electric trains, continue expanding the domestic production of Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train sets based on local designs, study advanced railway technologies from abroad, improve Myanmar's locomotive manufacturing capabilities, and upgrade railway crossings.

Following the meeting, the President inspected DEMU train sets undergoing routine inspection and maintenance at the factory and gave further instructions after receiving briefings from officials.