Prime Minister Haile Mariam Desalegn laid the cornerstone for a railway that links two states of Ethiopia, Tigray and Amhara. The railway will connect Woldia – Hara Gebeya – Mekele.

The railway is going to be constructed by the Chinese firm, China Communication Construction Company, and estimated to cost USD 1.5 billion. It is going to stretch for 260 kilometers and will reach as far as Tajura, Djibouti. The project is due to be finalized in 42 months.

"[The project] is very significant both socially and economically," the Premier explained.

The route will significant importance for transporting goods and people to the new port of Tadurah in Djibouti which is under construction. In addition to this, it is said to have a major role through its access to currently under development potash mines in that part of Ethiopia.

The launch ceremony was also attended by President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud. In addition to this the project was launched during the celebration of Tigrayan People's Liberation Front’s (TPLF) 40 year anniversary.

TPLF, based in Tigray State, is central component of the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front which fought with the military-communist Derg regime.

Source: World Bulletin and Fana Broadcasting Corporate