Burma launches trains to new capital; foreigners banned

YANGOON: -- Burma's state-owned Myanma Railways has bought new locomotives and coaches to service the route between Rangoon and the new capital Pyinmana, about 390 kilometres to the north, local media reported today.

Burma's rail authority bought 11 locomotives and 34 coaches from India for US$28 million to service the upgraded route between the old and new capitals, local dailies reported.

The new trains will run on the existing route between Rangoon and Mandalay that passes through the town of Pyinmana, which is about 20 kilometres from where the new capital is still under construction.

Although the upgraded service was launched Monday, it has been reported Pyinmana will be closed to foreigners until the middle of next year, and foreign embassies will not start moving there until 2007 or 2008 at the earliest.

Burma's military rulers started moving the government to Pyinmana in early November, with speculation rife as to why they would move nearly 400 kilometres north of Rangoon.

Burma watchers have suggested the primary reason for the move is that Pyinmana, which is next to mountains and a large military base, would be easier for the military to defend.

Some have suggested the junta feared a US invasion similar to the one into Iraq in March 2003. Others have said it could be they fear political strife in Rangoon.

But neither General Than Shwe, who heads Burma's ruling military junta, or anyone else in the government, has explained the reasoning behind the move.

--DPA 2005-12-28

The Burmese government has got to be the most inept, comical bunch on the face of the earth. Although I've found their civil service strangely efficient and honest, I don't think this country could even recognise a competant government if they had one.

cv

Once Pyinmana is re-opened to foreigners after April, it'll be interesting to see how the town has changed.

I spent time in Pyinmana in the mid 90s and it was a lovely town, very green, full of old Burmese and colonial architecture. I imagine it will look completely different within a couple of years.

Once Pyinmana is re-opened to foreigners after April, it'll be interesting to see how the town has changed.

I spent time in Pyinmana in the mid 90s and it was a lovely town, very green, full of old Burmese and colonial architecture. I imagine it will look completely different within a couple of years.

Their performance in Pagan doesn't give me alot of hope.

cv

Burma immediately moved their government underground after Bush was elected

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