Myanma Railways’ services were disrupted on 4 June after a bomb discovery on the Yangon-Mawlamyine line. A railway worker found a homemade bomb hidden inside a plastic box near Mile-122/14 between Theinseik and Donwun stations.

Authorities were alerted, and regional security forces successfully deactivated the device in the afternoon. The closure caused delays for several trains, including the No 81 Up passenger express, which was halted for over three hours.

This incident highlights a worrying trend of attacks on Myanmar’s railways. Since February 2021, there have been a total of 206 bombings targeting railways and stations, 165 incidents of sabotage on railway tracks, and 42 arson attacks on railway infrastructure and staff housing.

These repeated terrorist attacks have caused significant damage to trains, tracks, and stations. They have also disrupted passenger and freight transport, causing inconvenience and safety concerns for the public. Furthermore, these acts of violence have hampered the government’s efforts to upgrade the Yangon-Mandalay railway.

MNA/TMT

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