26 August

The Yangon Region Transport Authority is planning to get GPS tracking devices installed on cargo trucks to monitor container transportation and freight forwarding services, said U Aye Aung, a member of the transport authority at a recent press meet. 

“The GPS tracking system will be installed on registered trucks operating in Yangon Region and a control center will be designated to monitor cargo transportation. We will check whether trucks engaged in freight forwarding services are following the set time and route. GPS tracking will also help in traffic law enforcement,” he said.

“Some container trucks are reportedly being overloaded, causing damage to Yangon roads.The compliance of truck drivers can also help mitigate the damage to roads. Yangon’s busy roads are experiencing traffic congestion, and surprise checks on roads worsen traffic problems. Therefore, we will try to control freight forwarders using GPS tracking. The related department is working on it. A technical team has been formed, and it has forwarded the result of its study to the government. We will try to ensure there is no burden and error in the installation of the GPS tracking devices. The process is still under way,” said U Aye Aung. 

As there are industrial zones and large markets in Yangon city, its roads are often packed with cargo trucks. Therefore, heavy trucks are now allowed to run between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. During the day, they are allowed to travel during specified times. 

A team comprising members of the YRTA, traffic police, Yangon City Development Committee, Myanma Port Authority, Myanmar Container Trucks Association, and Myanmar Highway Freight Transportation Services Association is also conducting surprise checks to ensure container trucks are following traffic laws. 

In addition, the team has forwarded necessary suggestions to the concerned organizations, said U Aye Aung. 

“With the number of trucks on the rise, truck drivers are being trained by the Road and Transport Administration Department (RTAD) in Nay Pyi Taw. On completing the training program, they are being issued a certificate and licence. Yangon RTAD is also trying to provide training courses to produce skilled drivers,” he added.

There are 58,000 cargo trucks registered in Yangon Region, and trucks registered in towns outside Yangon are also seen running on Yangon roads. (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)
By Nyein Nyein