Ghana’s Ministry of Railways Development has signed an agreement with DongFang Electric International Corporation for the supply of rolling stock to be used for passenger and freight services in the country. Joe Ghartey, Minister of Railways Development, signed the agreement with the state-owned Chinese company on June 23.
The contract is valued at $243.6 million.
Under the agreement, DongFang Electric International will supply nine passenger locomotives with 4,500 HP and speed of 160 km/h, and fifteen freight locomotives (seven ACAC and eight ACDC transmission) with a capacity of 4,500 HP and speed of 100 km/h.
The company will also supply eleven 1,000-HP shunting locomotives, 48 passenger coaches and 330 wagons (230 box wagons and 100 flat wagons).
The rolling stock contract will be implemented in two phases. In phase one, DongFang Electric International will deliver two trains within 12 months and another seven trains within the following six months. The remaining 26 trains will be delivered in the second phase within 18 months from a date to be agreed by both parties.
To execute this contract, Dongfang Electric International has partnered with CRRC Dalian Company Limited (CRRC Dalian) and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Company Limited (QRRS), both subsidiaries of the giant Chinese rolling stock manufacturer CRRC.
Currently, all of Ghana’s old railway lines are narrow gauge. This contract becomes the first order for standard gauge trains in the history of the country. The 35 new trains will be used on Ghana’s standard gauge railway lines currently under construction. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Accra, Mr Ghartey said the Ministry is constructing a number of standard gauge railway lines as part of its mandate to revamp and modernize Ghana’s railway sector. Some of these railway lines include the Western Rail Line section from Takoradi Port through Kojokrom and Manso to Huni Valley which is approximately 134 km and the 99-km Tema-Mpakadan railway line.
The development of these standard gauge lines is in line with Government policy, as contained in the Railway Master Plan, for all new railway lines to be developed with the standard gauge.
Joe Ghartey
The Ministry considered the urgent procurement of rolling stock in view of the need to obtain the trains in time for testing and commissioning works, the minimum duration required for the delivery of rolling stock, and the subsequent operation of the new lines.
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