The Mawlamyine-Yangon night train has been temporarily cancelled as of December 18, according to Myanmar Railways (Mawlamyine).
The reason is believed to be because on December 13th, a freight train struck a land mine on the Mawlamyine-Yangon railway.
One tourist reported that the authorities are not saying publicly the reason for the cancellation of service is due to the land mine incident. “…they did not tell us (the reason) but I think it’s because of security concerns. The land mine incident is probably why the night train was canceled.”
Individuals who had purchased tickets in advance of the cancellation of service will be refunded for the cost of their tickets at the Mawlamyine Station.
Myanmar Railways (Mawlamyine) announced that now only one express train will run daily from Mawlamyine to Yangon leaving at 9:00 AM from the Mawlamyine station.
The Mawlamyine-Rangoon night train service began last year.
Since the February 1, 2020 military coup, traveling long distances by car has been subject to frequent military checkpoints. Travel delays and frequent shootings along the roadways have become increasingly common. Travellers had begun to take trains as an alternative, however, now that option is becoming limited and potentially unsafe.
