International Railroad Discussion > To the Gokteik Viaduct

This is the daily train from Mandalay to Lashio in north eastern Myanmar. This is the line that passes over the famous Gokteik Viaduct. Over 300' high and 2200' across it was built by the British in 1901 by contractors from the Philadelphia Steel Company. Some renovation was done in the early 1990's but trains slow to a crawl to reduce stress on the structure. As the train crosses you can hear it creak and goan.

The station stop at Pyin Oo Lwin.

On board the upper class coach.

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Along the line at each stop the vendors turn out


First view of the viaduct in the distance.

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Crossing the viaduct

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Meeting the down train back to Mandalay.

Arriving Hsipaw.

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Awesome. Living vicariously through your great series, thanks!

Hello

Thank for sharing great photos.

Chris

That is definitely on my bucket list. Thanks.

86235 Wrote:
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> That is definitely on my bucket list. Thanks.


Myanmar is very definitely an interesting country to visit. Things are changing very fast though and things like the railway is likely to see big changes in the coming years. China and Thailand are expected to make major investments in the countries infrastructure in the coming years. Numbers of tourists are increasing at double digit rates.
It's a fascinating country with possibly the friendliest most welcoming people on the planet.

And oh yes, the trains are elemental railroading in it's rawest form. Maybe only Africa can provide a similar experience but not as safely or as easily.

Wonderful photos. Looks like a number of us may add this to our bucket lists...

Steve Mitchell
http://www.yardgoatimages.com

Looks humid and hot. Is it?

Very hot. It's been 37 - 40 most days though it was cooler at Pwin Oo Lwin. Mandalay was very hot.

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