After Independence
In 1942, the country had 3313 route-km of meter-gauge track, but during World War II the Japanese removed about 480 km. By the end of the conflict only 1085 route-km was operational, in four isolated sections. After Myanmar gained independence from the UK in 1948, the rail network was rebuilt. By 1961 the network extended 3020 km, and then remained constant until the opening of a 36 km line from Kyaukpadaung to Kyini in October 1970. This marked the start of a construction and track-doubling boom, and by 2000 MR operated 5068 track-km divided into 11 operating divisions. Most of the routes are single track although large parts of Yangon-Pyay and Yangon-Mandalay routes are double-track.
Read more about this topic: History Of Rail Transport In Burma
Famous quotes containing the word independence:
“To drive men from independence to live on alms, is itself great cruelty.”
—Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
“Hail, Columbia! happy land!
Hail, ye heroes! heaven-born band!
Who fought and bled in Freedom’s cause,
Who fought and bled in Freedom’s cause,
And when the storm of war was gone,
Enjoyed the peace your valor won.
Let independence be our boast,
Ever mindful what it cost;”
—Joseph Hopkinson (1770–1842)