The State is endeavoring for development in all out aspect of national races by building a modern developed, and discipline flourishing democratic nation. In doing so, Myanma Railways is extending railroads in accord with the guidance of the government. There were 1976.35 miles of railroad before 1988 and now it has been extended to 3118.79 miles.
Better transport plays a pivotal role in developing a region. As the government has constructed a large number of more motor roads and rail roads plus bridges, people of different regions have been able to easily travel from one place to another, there by contributing much to boosting production and development of socio-economic life of local people.
The opening of Kyaw-YayMyetni rail road section and Ponnyataung Tunnel of Pakokku-Gantgaw-Kalay Railroad project took place in Gantgaw Township, Magway Region on 27 January 2007.
Ponnyatuang Tunnel and Kyaw-Yaymyetni Railroad section is 27 miles long. As the tunnel alone is over one mile long, it has become the longest of its kind in the country.
The Pakokku-Gantgaw-Kalay Railroad beginning from Chaung U of Sagaing Region is over 277 miles. With the completion of the tunnel in Ponnyataung section, Kyaw and Yaymyetni Railroad section with a mountain range between them has been linked.
Kyaw-Yaymyetni railroad section was built for all round development of western part of Chindwin River Pontaung Hill, Ponnya Hill region and Myitha valley region.
Ponnya Hill is a barrier on the Pakokku-Gangaw-Kalay route. To be able to overcome the hurdles, construction of 5,610 feet long and 15 feet and 4 inches wide Ponnya Hill Tunnel commenced on 16 October 1996 and it was completed on 25 July 2006.
The 19 feet and 4 inches high tunnel was built with RCC lining type. Due to the completion of Kyaw-Yaymyetni railroad section, local people will have access to their destinations through Pakokku-Gangaw-Kalay Railroad.
U Maung Maung Thwin
Project Engineer
Myanmar Railways
Constructing Ponnyataung Tunnel and its related railroads was done with special care and attention because the land is composed of young sedimentary rock which density is different from one place to another and seeping of water. In some places, they had to level the hills and in the other places they had to fill up the valleys. Especially, it has been constructed to be escaped from fault zones.
Although there were many difficulties, the Ponnyataung Tunnel was constructed successfully due to perseverance, diligence and goodwill of officials and staff from Myanmar railways.
Because of the tunnel, Pakokku-Gantgaw-Kalay railroad can now link the Myit Tha Valley in Pontaung Ponnya region and Kabaw Valley of Chin State narrowing the gap between people in the two regions.
I believe that the railroad reflects the development tasks being undertaken by the State. Moreover, it will provide for the national solidarity and it will give the fruitful result in promoting socio-economic life of the locals due to convenience in transportation and trade.