Test run for Awash-Kombolcha railway line, which is part of Awash – Kombolcha – Woldia electrified railway line project, is set to begin in 7 months time.

It was 2 and a quarter years ago that the construction of the entire railway line was started. The line is said to represent an extension of Mekelle – Woldia/Hara Gebeya railway project and it has now reached 53 percent completion rate.

According to the head of the project at the Ethiopian Railways Corporation (ERC), Abdulkerim Mohamed, 35 bridges were already built as part of the project. The entire project would have 65 bridges when completed.

Out of the 12 tunnels that would be drilled, 6 of them had been bored and track laying operations had started, Abdulkerim explained. From the entire 390 kilometers that tracks would be laid upon, the task for 150 kilometers had been done, he furthered.

In line to track laying operations, installation of power transmission line is being undertaken on the Awash – Kombolcha part of the project. The installation has now reached 67 percent, the head of the project explained.

The construction of the project is being undertaken by Turkish Yapi Merkezi Company. The firm is undertaking the construction at a cost of 1.7 billion USD.

Source: Fana Broadcasting Corporation