The public transport hubs are crowded with travellers on Union Day during the six-day holiday from 12 to 17 February. Here is the interview with the train passengers at the Yangon Railway Station.
U Yin Min Oo
(MR Dvision7, Manager)
During long holiday periods, Myanma Railways operates special trains. From 12 to 17 February 2026, we are running special services to ensure convenient travel for the public and government employees. Starting 12 February, special up and down trains are operating on the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw route, along with an up special train from Yangon to Mawlamyine and another up special train from Yangon to Pyay. On 17 February, special trains will run on the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon, Mawlamyine-Yangon and Pyay-Yangon routes. Tickets for the Yangon-Mandalay and Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay routes are also being sold online. For Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw routes, tickets can be purchased online one week in advance for full journeys and three days in advance for intermediate stations. On busy routes like Mawlamyine, air-conditioned special trains are also operating. Today, trains are fully occupied, including trains for the Pyay route. Myanma Railways is committed to transporting passengers quickly and efficiently to their destinations. We are pleased to provide special trains in addition to regular services during this long holiday, ensuring smooth and comfortable transport for both passengers and goods”.
U Maung Maung Naing
(special Mawlamyine train,
engine driver 2)
As today is Union Day, I am happy to serve train passengers. It feels as though we were carrying our ethnic brethren in unity as one toward a modern and developed nation. I believe passengers will be satisfied with the operation of special trains to ensure convenient travel. I have 31 years of service. This morning at 9:15 am, we departed for Mawlamyine and will return to Yangon Railway Station from Mawlamyine on 17 February.
Daw Kyi Kyi Than
(passenger)
I’m travelling to Mawlamyine. I have been travelling by train for many years. I prefer it over buses because it feels freer and more peaceful. Regular train travellers in Myanmar are mostly those on the Mawlamyine and Pyay trains. These routes have been operating for many years, so long-time passengers like us have a strong attachment to Myanma Railways. The railway understands the bond between passengers and these two lines. Currently, the online ticket system covers only Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, and Mandalay routes. Since Mawlamyine and Pyay are not yet included, I had to queue at 5 am yesterday at Yangon Railway Station to buy my ticket. It would be more convenient if tickets were also sold online. People who prefer queuing could still do so, while others could buy online. However, buying online requires a strong internet connection, and sometimes, when many passengers try to access the QR code system simultaneously, it may not work properly. So, improvements are needed to make online purchasing more reliable at any time. It is also important to prevent seat duplication. But travelling by train is enjoyable. Travelling on Union Day is especially memorable and exciting. I am happy to see improvements in Myanma Railways and feel proud of the country. I hope services will continue to improve and wish Myanma Railways continued success.
Ma Thoon Nadi San
(university student)
I’m travelling to Pyay. It feels special and joyful to travel on Union Day. I’m going with my family to visit pagodas. The train coaches are clean and tidy, which makes the journey satisfying. If the coaches, seating, and services continue to improve, both domestic and international travellers will choose trains even when it is not in holiday periods. For the tourism sector to grow, cooperation between the public and staff is also important. In my opinion, Myanmar Railways should showcase its modernization and development more widely so that the public becomes more aware. This would inspire people to travel by train, foster patriotism, and encourage responsible behaviour. Knowing that I’ll be riding an air-conditioned train makes the journey even more exciting.
Ko Ye Yint Aung
(passenger)
We bought tickets in advance to travel on Union Day when the children finished their exam yesterday. Even though there are many travellers, everything is going smoothly. Seeing my children happy while looking at the train makes me happy as a father. This train journey will become a cherished memory for them when they grow up. When we were young, our parents gave us similar experiences. I have noticed significant improvements in Myanma Railways compared to before. I hope Myanma Railways continues to progress and further enhances its services.
Translated by KTZH
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