Mon State Minister urges measures to facilitate high-speed DEMU train services and ensure railway crossing safety

Mon State Minister for Electricity, Energy, Industry and Transport U Zeyar Oo has called for systematic management of railway crossings to facilitate the operation of the DEMU (Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit) high-speed train service.

Speaking at a coordination meeting on DEMU high-speed train operations held at the Kyaikto District General Administration Department on June 22, the minister urged relevant departments to work together to ensure that railway crossings along the Yangon–Mawlamyine railway line comply with prescribed regulations. He stressed the need for the proper installation and maintenance of crossing gates, guard posts and “Stop–Look–Go” warning signs, as well as the elimination of unauthorized railway crossings.

Earlier the same day, during a meeting with departmental officials in Bilin Township, U Zeyar Oo said that special Yangon–Mawlamyine express train services would soon commence and instructed relevant authorities to enhance public safety at railway crossings and close illegal crossings along the route.

According to officials, there are 157 railway crossings between Theinzayat and Mawlamyine stations within Mon State, but only 16 are officially authorized. Paung Township reportedly has a significant number of unauthorized crossings, where railway accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities occur annually.

The minister also announced that the Yangon–Mawlamyine–Yangon DEMU train service will begin operations on July 1, with tickets available through the online ticketing system.