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Dieter Hettler
Soon after establishing their rule over Lower Burma, the British built two railways from the port at Rangoon to near the border with the Kingdom of Burma to extract the country’s resources. The metre gauge line to Prome was opened in 1877, the one to Toungoo in 1885. The Kingdom of Burma was conquered that same year and rails reached Mandalay four years later. The system expanded further, with lines spreading across fertile plains and into hilly areas requiring considerable engineering. Burma’s railways were well developed when the Japanese invaded in 1942; three years later they lay in ruins. In 1948 Burma became independent but rehabilitation was slow. In 1988, a new socialist military government seized power and renamed the country Myanmar. It also embarked on a large scale expansion of the railway system.
For the first time, this book outlines the history of the railways of the country with details of the individual lines. It describes the varied motive power, both steam and diesel, and many aspects of permanent way and operation. The famous two-foot gauge Burma Mines railway and the Yangon circular railway receive special attention. The book is illustrated with a wealth of photographs and maps. It is a tribute to a country of great charm.
176 pages, numerous photos, maps and line drawings, hb.
Published 31 October.
Artikelnummer:978-91-7266-207-0
Enhet:st.