Myanmar is upgrading the railway linking its two largest cities with assistance from the Government of Japan.

A report from the Myanmar Times said the project will reduce the time it takes to travel between Yangon and Mandalay to 8 hours from 12 hours. More than 3,000 passengers take the train every day.

The report said the railway project is part of the official development assistance to Myanmar announced by Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Kano in the press conference with Myanmar’s State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 12 January 2018. Japan will support the urban development of Yangon and improvements in transportation and power generation.

The upgrades are based on a study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The project is expected to be completed by 2023.

The GMS member countries are also aiming to develop railway connectivity among themselves through the work of the Greater Mekong Railway Association (GMRA).

Read the full article at Myanmar Times.