The section from Lashio to Muse and Yunnan is expected to be interoptable with both Chinese and Myanmar trains.

There is another proposed project to allow Chinese trains to run 900 km from Kunming all the way to Kyaukpyu under Build-Operate-Transfer.

The carriages with open windows serve to trim the trackside vegetation as it moves and attendants sweep away the debris regularly during the journey.

The Northern Shan Railway was originally built in order that British industrialists could obtain access to southern China, via Kunming.

It did provide access to the ancient Chinese silver and lead mines in Bawdwin, which were a major source of wealth for future US President Herbert Hoover.