Myanma Railways (MR) has announced that the No.5 Up and No.6 Down Yangon–Mandalay express trains began operating on May 1 using modern air-conditioned DEMU coaches. The upgrade of the Yangon–Taungoo railway section was completed with Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan, while the Taungoo–Nay Pyi Taw and Nay Pyi Taw–Mandalay sections were upgraded with state funding. These improvements aim to increase train speeds, reduce travel time, and enhance passenger comfort along the Yangon–Mandalay main line.