Ethiopia’s Premier, Hailemariam Desalegn, put the foundation cornerstone to the commencement of Awash – Woldia – Hara Gebeya railway project in the morning of Wednesday, February 25, 2014.

The Ethiopian Railways Corporation (ERC) has set aside USD 1.7 billion for the project which will cover 375 kilometers. Upon completion the railway is going to link with Mekele – Hara Gebeya – Woldiya.

The project is going to be carried out by a Turkish firm that has already concluded an agreement. The company is due to deliver the construction in three years.

The project is aimed at easing connecting the northern part of Ethiopia with the rest of the country. It will also enhance access to sea ports for the northern part of the country.

The railway is going to connect the states of Amhara, Tigray and Afar with creating job opportunities.

Along the route, there are going to be 15 train stations. The trains are said to travel at a speed of 120 km/hr. it will have a capacity of transporting 750,000 passengers and 8.5 million tons of goods in a year.

Source: Fana Broadcasting Corporate