Myanmar: In November, a six-axle locomotive entered service with five passenger coaches on the 270 km Naypyidaw–Mandalay line.
The end-to-end journey, including station stops, takes around five hours. National operator Myanma Railways plans to introduce a further 11 such locomotives by April next year.
The locomotive is a modernised version of the YDM‑4 diesel locomotive, which has been produced in series at Indian Railways’ Banaras Locomotive Works in Varanasi. It underwent major overhaul at Myanma Railways’ Naypyidaw facility. China National Heavy Machinery acted as the technology partner and supplier of key components.
Battery passenger locomotive with coaches on the 270 km Naypyidaw–Mandalay line. Source: NP News
The project is financed through an emergency fund allocated by the Myanmar government for the 2024–2025 fiscal year and also includes the construction of charging stations. It is worth noting that last year Myanma Railways announced plans to purchase 10 electric locomotives and five EMUs from China’s CRRC.
