The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has disclosed that the railway system in Ghana has recorded significant progress in the past two years under the Akufo-Addo-led administration.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister indicated that the rehabilitation of the 56km narrow gauge line from Kojokurom to Tarkwa, through Nsuta is nearing completion.
He said that this would lead to the restoration of passenger rail services from Tarkwa to Takoradi for the first time since 2007.
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Mr Oppong-Nkrumah also revealed that the freight service from Manganese mine at Nsuta to Takoradi is in operation and in addition to that, the on-going rehabilitation has brought about “a spectacular reduction of derailment and incidence that occur on the line.â€
“In 2017, due to the total deterioration of the Western line, a total of about 700 major and minor incidents were recorded on that line, including derailment.
“The average incidence since January 2018 when rehabilitation commenced in earnest are 5 incidence per month, down from an average of about 16 incidence per month in 2017.â€
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The Minister stated that government seeks to reduce the incidents to the barest minimum.
New Standard Gauge Line
My Oppong-Nkrumah revealed that the construction of a standard railway gauge line from Kokokurom to Manso is underway.
The railway is a distance of 22 kilometers and is being funded by the government of Ghana.
Accra-Nsawam Eastern railway line
The Ghana Railway Company Ltd. Has commenced its rehabilitation works on the 70km narrow gauge section of the Eastern railway line from Accra-Nsawam and Accra to Tema.
According to the Information Minister, works on the Achimota to Tema section of the line is approximately 90% complete. He assured the public that the project will be open for operation once test runs have been completed.
The Minister added that work is ongoing on the Achimota to Accra Central, Achimota to Nsawam sections of the line and should be completed before the end of the year.
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Moreover, he disclosed that changes are in progress in the passenger coach system.
“Ten existing passenger coaches also undergone refurbishment. This is expected to enhance passenger comfort when the sub-urban commuters service re-opens on this line.â€
Mr Oppong-Nkrumah indicated that these projects are in fulfillment of the railway Master plan which envisages that total rail network will be standard gauge and executed in six phases.
Source:Â backend.theindependentghana.com