Rehabilitation of Accra-Nsawam train completed

As part of the restoration of the Accra-Nsawam railway services, the rehabilitation works of the train meant to operate rail services have been finalized, awaiting the approval from the regulator.

This was made known during an inspection exercise conducted by the Railways Development Minister, Mr. Joe Ghartey, on Tuesday in Tema.

In an interview, the Acting Managing Director of Ghana Railway Company Limited (GACL), John Essel said, 10 coaches were earmarked to undergo the rehabilitation, which cost GHc 1 million.

Essel noted that several test run have been conducted on the train, awaiting a joint inspection by the GACL and Ghana Railway Development Authority.

The inspection forms part of a three day tour by the Minister of all railway project in Greater Accra.

The overall rehabilitation works of the Achimota–Nsawam section of the Accra-Nsawam rail-line is almost completed at about 95 percent.

Other Projects

Other on-going projects include the Western Railway Line (Narrow Gauge and Standard Gauge); Eastern Railway Line (Narrow Gauge and Standard Gauge); Kumasi-Paga Line (Central Spine); Tema-Mpakadan (Akosombo) Line; Ghana-Burkina Faso Railway Interconnectivity Project and Accra and Kumasi Metro/Light Rail Transit Systems.

Before

The Government has also approved US$230million for the purchase of 30 rolling stock coaches for rail transport in the country, of which some are expected to arrive by September, this year.

Currently, a funding arrangement is ongoing with the China Development Bank (CDB) for a US$1-billion credit facility, out of which US$500 million has been earmarked for the Western Line.

After

Cabinet and parliamentary approval is yet to be obtained on the loan agreement and the Minister indicated that the expected commencement date is July 2019.