Taunggyi-Kakku-Hsaik Hkawng Railway Improvement Project

Shan province is located in the eastern part of Myanmar, borders several countries and, as well as adjacent to many states and regions of Myanmar.

At the Southeast of the State-Capital Taunggyi, Pa-O self-administered zone is located on the Taunggyi-Kakku-Hsaik Hkawng Railway Line (about 60km), which is an important route for logistics of crops and living of Pa-O region.

The railway route is 39 miles long in total length and comprises of 8 stations built over two years from 1996, and although some PC sleepers are introduced using the BS75lb rail, basically, the structure of the track is wooden sleepers. In addition, it is operated with a train that consists of 2 passenger cars + 1 cargo car by diesel locomotive (DF2007) tow.

The route is vital for the transport of crops produced from Pa-O region. After more than 20 years from the construction, track deviation due to lack of maintenance. And it is also observed the deterioration of the track due to towing by locomotives that are insufficient for the loading. Above reasons apparently lead to lower speed in the operation and safety concerns.

In addition, in the middle part of the railway route sits the Kakku ruins, which is an ancient site of the Pa-O tribe, which is also an important tourism resource in Myanmar, and it is possible to consider tourism development using railways in the future.

By improving the Taunggyi-Kakku-Hsaik Hkawng railway line as a vital route of the Pa-O people, more efficient agricultural logistics, tourism development centered on Kakku, can be enhanced.

As Taunggyi is the logistic hub for both local route and cross borders routes for trading agricultural products, the improvement of Taunggyi-Kakku-Hsaik Hkawng Railway line can bring opportunities for Pa-O region to be ready for future growing market for agricultural products as well as accessible for agricultural tours within one day round trip from Inlay Lake.

So, it is intended to carry out a survey aimed at enhancing as a vital route of the Pa-O people.