16 September 2025
The historic Gotyeok Bridge, which was damaged by a mine explosion caused by the terrorist organization TNLA, will be rebuilt according to its original design. This announcement was made by Union Minister for Transport and Communications U Mya Htun Oo during a field inspection of the Naung Cho Station, Gotyeok Station, and Gotyeok Bridge in Naung Cho Township, Shan State (North) yesterday.
The Union Minister has ordered that the bridge be rebuilt according to its original design, completed on schedule, and constructed safely.
During the visit, the Union Minister inspected the railway tracks, concrete slabs, and areas designated for the detonation of mines in the 350-foot tunnel adjacent to the bridge, which had been damaged by terrorists. He also presented awards to employees and security personnel working at the site.
Additionally, the Minister viewed rare documentary photographs from the time the Gottee Bridge was first constructed, which are preserved at the Gotteeek Station. He held separate meetings with the station staff, engineers involved in the bridge renovation, and employees from various departments and organizations working in Nawnghkio Town, where refreshments were served.
The Gotyeok Bridge is situated between Nawnghkio and Kyaukme in Shan State (Northern) along the Mandalay-Lashio railway line. It spans two mountain walls on either side of a ravine that is over 2,200 feet long and about 500 feet deep.
The bridge was designed by Sir A.M.R. Rendel & Co. of London and construction began in 1899 by the Pennsylvania & Maryland Bridge and Construction Co. from the United States. It was completed in 1900 and opened to traffic in 1903, having been in use for over 120 years. The bridge is approximately 2,260 feet long and 320 feet high, reaching a height of 825 feet from the bottom of the ravine to the surface of the railway tracks. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest steel bridge in the world. The construction involved 4,311 tons of iron and steel, approximately one million rivets, and was built between steep mountain slopes. The steel bridge, along with the surrounding scenery visible from the train, has become famous and is a source of pride for Myanmar.
Recently, state-run media reported that the bridge was recklessly detonated with mines by the TNLA and MDY PDF. Following this, the TNLA and MDY PDF took control of the bridge, prompting the Tatmadaw to announce that they had recaptured both the Gotdwin Bridge and Gottjek Bridge sites, which had been fortified to deter attacks. Currently, Myanmar Railways engineers are working on rebuilding the damaged sections in accordance with the original design.
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