YANGON - The railroad between Myanmar's former capital Yangon and Mandalay, a major city in mid Myanmar will be upgraded in fiscal year 2015-16 with the help of Japanese technology and assistance, official media reported Thursday.

Under the National Transport Development Program to ensure speedy transport and the safety of passengers, the railroad which is a major transport route in Myanmar will be upgraded with $500 million of assistance from the Japanese government, according to the New Light of Myanmar.

Officials concerned are carrying out feasibility study and collecting opinions of the people living along the railroad.

Upon completion of the upgrading program, it will help increase the speed of trains up to 60 miles per hour from the 45 miles per hour.