There has been another twist in the Mandalay-Muse railway saga, with the Mandalay Government planning to start preliminary work on the project as early as next year.

The Myanmar Times reported earlier this month that Mandalay Minister for Planning and Finance, U Myat Thu said the railway has been identified as one of nine "essential projects" China proposes to implement as part of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.

It comes as government officials revealed to the Times that a feasibility survey by Myanmar Railway and China Railway Ervuan Engineering Co Ltd for the proposed main route for the project started this month.

Expected to stretch more than 430 kilometres, the Mandalay-Muse railway will feature a number of significant bridges and tunnels, as well as seven cargo and passenger stations, according to Myanmar Railways.

The project has a chequered history within the region, with a previous railway between Muse and Kyaukphyu abandoned in 2014 following the expiration of a Memorandum of Understanding between Beijing and Naypyitaw.

In November 2018, WILLIAMS MEDIA reported that China's Railway Eryuan Engineering Group and Myanmar Railways had recently agreed to reconsider the project.

At the time, Colliers International Myanmar said the rail service could create a "transport lifeline" for the country's north, due to its position on the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.

As part of the latest development, the government is planning to conduct consultations to discuss issues related to land compensation and job opportunities once the construction starts.

Source: The Myanmar Times

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