7 May 2025
An insurgent group planted and detonated a landmine under Bridge No. 65 on the Bago–Mawlamyine railway, damaging the structure and halting train operations, according to Myanma Railways.
The blast occurred around 11:15 p.m. on 5 May under a 60-foot-long bridge between Hninpale and Taungsoon stations near milepost 112/10–11 in Bilin Township, Mon State. Two iron beams collapsed, a river pier was destroyed, and several sleepers were damaged.
Authorities and security personnel who rushed to the scene found an unexploded handmade mine and related materials on the bridge.
Due to the damage, Myanma Railways suspended services between the two stations. Yangon-Mawlamyine-Yangon passenger trains No 81 Up and No 82 Down were temporarily halted, and passengers who had bought tickets were given refunds.
Myanma Railways officials said repair crews are now working to restore the damaged bridge and track section as quickly as possible so that normal operations can resume.
Since February 2021, insurgents have carried out 81 landmine attacks on railways and station compounds, 176 attacks targeting railway bridges and rails, and 16 arson incidents against station buildings and staff housing.
Officials say these acts are intended to disrupt state-owned locomotives, rail infrastructure and the safe travel of passengers and freight. Despite repeated sabotage, the government says it remains committed to improving the country’s rail transport system and ensuring public safety and smooth logistics.
Ref: GNLM
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