MYANMAR: National operator Myanma Railways has awarded a partnership of Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp and Spain’s CAF two contracts for the supply of a total of 246 diesel-electric multiple-unit cars in 2023-25
One contract covers 11 six-car high capacity metro-style cars for the project to modernise the 46 km Yangon Circular Railway and reduce the time taken to complete a full loop from 170 to 110 min.
The second order covers 30 six-car units for long-distance services on the 620 km Yangon – Naypyidaw – Mandalay line, which is being upgraded to reduce the current 15 h journey time to about 8 h.
The orders have a total value of ¥69bn and are being financed through an international yen loan agreement between the governments of Japan and Myanmar which covers the new rolling stock and also the infrastructure upgrading works.
The metre gauge vehicles will be built by CAF in Spain with the use of Japanese components. CAF said it has a close strategic relationship with Mitsubishi Corp, with the companies having worked on a number of projects including the supply of rolling stock for Manila LRT Line 1, the Istanbul Metro and Canberra.
Announcing the contracts on December 8, Mitsubishi Corp said it welcomed the opportunity to leverage its experience and know-how in international rail projects to help upgrade public transport in Myanmar, while the Japanese government’s backing of exports and proactive engagement in rail projects would help to improve quality of life in the region.
