Final test run on Accra–Nsawam rail line suspended

The final test runs on the Accra-Nsawam rail line scheduled to take place this week has been suspended, the Ghana Railway Company Limited announced on Thursday.

The test run was meant to certify that the line is fit for commercial operations.

The GRCL explained that after the recent heavy downpour of rain in Accra, certain portions of the Pokuase–Amasaman section of the rail line suffered serious washout which has affected the integrity of the line.

“In view of this, the final test run by the regulator, the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), has been suspended to enable GRCL address the problem to guarantee the safety of passengers before the shuttle service begins,” it stated.

The Ministry of Railways Development has also agreed to the suspension.

Background

10 coaches were earmarked to undergo the rehabilitation, which cost GHc 1 million.

A total of GH¢105 million has been made available to GRCL over the past three annual budget periods. Allocations from the amount have also been made to improve the conditions at the Railways Training College.

The rest of the allocation has gone into the rehabilitation works of both the Accra-Nsawam and Accra-Tema rail lines.

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, among others.