Muse-Mandalay-Kyaukphyu railway will start construction in possible areas: Myanmar Chief
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Lynn/Yoon (NP News) - Nov 7
The Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that the construction of the Muse-Mandalay-Kyaukphyu railway project will begin at locations where work can be initiated, based on the ground situation.
He made the statement during the talk with Mr. Li Qiang, the Premier of the People's Republic of China, at the Haigeng Garden Hotel in Kunming on November 6.
The Chairman stated that China is the second largest investor among the 52 foreign countries investing in Myanmar, and a special focus is placed on the safety of Chinese investments, projects, and people.
Similarly, it is understood that there will be continued discussions and collaboration on economic and technological assistance, joint cooperation, and ensuring energy security for the development and progress of Myanmar.
In addition, the Chairman has informed that the construction of the Muse-Mandalay-Kyaukphyu railway project will begin at locations where work can be initiated, based on the ground situation.
During his visit to Kunming, Senior General met with Chinese business owners and investors currently operating in Myanmar. He noted the positive and dynamic economic outlooks, as well as the strong cooperation between the two countries. The Chairman reaffirmed Myanmar's commitment to providing the necessary support and working closely with Chinese investors to foster further economic development.
It is reported that the project plans to construct a railway line from Muse in northern Shan State, through Mandalay, to Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State and the railway line is expected to span over 1,000 kilometers in length.
The railway project to be constructed between China and Myanmar will be implemented in two phases. The first phase involves the construction of a railway line connecting Muse and Mandalay, which is expected to span 401 kilometers in length.
The Myanmar government and and China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on October 22, 2018, regarding the construction of the 431-kilometer Muse-Mandalay railway line. Additionally, a separate MoU between the Myanmar government and China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group for the construction of the Mandalay-Kyaukphyu railway line was signed on January 10, 2021.