25 MARCH 2026

MYANMA Railways (MR) has announced that trains powered by battery electric locomotives will begin operating on the Yangon circular railway starting 25 March.

The new battery-powered circular train will consist of four passenger coaches and one brake van. Currently, MR is already utilizing battery locomotives for the No 27 Up / 28 Down Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw airbag express train, which commenced service on 22 November, 2025.

Switching from diesel to battery electric power offers significant savings: Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay Route – saves over K1.3 million per round trip compared to diesel; Yangon circular route – expected to save approximately K600,000 per day compared to diesel locomotives.

The launch ceremony for the battery electric Yangon circular train is scheduled for 25 March at 7 am at Platform 1, Yangon Central Railway Station. — Htun Htun/ZN