THE Ministry of Transport has announced that Letpadan and Thayawady railway stations, both historic stations with a history of more than 149 years, will be restored and preserved while maintaining their original architectural character.
Letpadan Station, which was constructed when Myanma Railways first began operations along the Yangon-Pyay railway line, is more than 149 years old and is regarded as a historic station. As such, it will be carefully restored and preserved without altering its original design, in recognition of its historical value and heritage significance.
Similarly, Thayawady Station, which is also more than 149 years old, is recognized as a historic heritage station. Restoration and conservation work aimed at preserving its original features is expected to begin in the near future.
The Yangon-Pyay railway line is a metre-gauge railway (with a distance of one metre between the two rails) linking Yangon with Pyay in the western part of Bago Region. It is recognized as the first railway line ever constructed in Myanmar.
Construction of the Yangon-Pyay railway line began in September 1874, and the line was officially opened on 1 May 1877. It was the first railway line on which train services commenced in Myanmar. — ASH/MKKS
