China National Heavy Machinery Corporation (CHMC) has reached a phased milestone in the new energy retrofit project for diesel multiple units (DMUs) operated by Myanmar Railways, with the successful delivery of the first retrofitted Battery Electric Multiple Unit (BEMU).

Built upon the original diesel coach, the retrofitted unit has completed its transition from conventional diesel propulsion to battery-powered drive through system integration, powertrain renewal, carbody refurbishment, interior upgrading and full commissioning and testing, setting a new practical benchmark for the green upgrading of Myanmar’s railway.

The smooth handover of the inaugural BEMU marks the project’s shift from the retrofit implementation phase to the delivery and demonstration application phase, laying a solid foundation for subsequent vehicle retrofits, operational validation and large-scale rollout.

Upholding the principles of pragmatic cooperation, quality priority and green development, the company will focus on core sectors including electrification retrofitting, energy storage system application and vehicle system integration, and continue to expand the deployment of new energy rail transit equipment retrofit solutions. Leveraging its core strengths in industrial construction and turnkey equipment project delivery, CHMC will support countries along the Belt and Road Initiative in advancing transport infrastructure upgrading and driving regional green and low-carbon development.

(Text/Photo: Wu Zifan, CHCM)