Government has begun an ambitious development of the country's railway infrastructure to link the three Northern Regions of Ghana. The project has commenced with the construction of a new railway gauge from Hamile in the Upper West Region to Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana. The $1.64 billion project is expected to be completed in 18 months for the rehabilitation of the existing lines, while the construction of the new line from Hamile to Takoradi will be completed in five years time. The projects, known as the 'Western Railway Project is being financed through a build- operate-and-transfer concession agreement with Kampac Group of companies, which will see the group manage the country's railways for the next 35 years after completion. More than 15 top international companies are involved in different aspects of the job at the various railway points in the country. Group Chairman of Kampac companies Charles Ampofo has said that the groups working on the project have been divided into five teams, each stationed at different locations. About 5,000 locals have already been employed for the construction of a new standard gauge line connecting Takoradi through Manso, Tarkwa, Huni Valley, Dunkwa, Awaso, Nyinahin, Sunyani, Techiman, Bole, Sawla, Wa through Hamile in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Among the reputable global companies involved in the project include Rah railway from South Africa, who are the consultants, and Manferoster from who will oversee the building maintenance engineering of the project. Other companies engaged in the project include Industrial Development of Africa, Old Mutual Investment South Africa and DEG Invest of with the Standard Chartered Group Stanbic Bank of Ghana proposing to the project. Sector Minister Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi who on Tuesday retained his portfolio and promised to push his sectoral agenda, assured Kampac that their investment will be well protected. "We welcome you, and hope you deliver this project to the good people of Ghana" he said. "The project is for Ghanaians and our wish is that it could be undertaken at a much faster pace", said the former Education Minister. He assured that "once the Presi¬dent has tasked us to revive the railway line, we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that Ghanaians see the revival of their treasured asset." Professor Akumfi last week told journalists in Accra that twenty coaches have been moved to the Accra Railway station awaiting a test run on the rehabilitated Accra- Tema rail line, while the Ministry has initiated moves to procure two sets of Diesel Multiple Units to ply. Whilst expecting work to progress on the Kampac 800km rail line from Takoradi to Hamile, another engineering firm from the United States, Atlantic Companies Inc have also expressed interest in the subur¬ban Railway System in the Metropolitan areas of Accra- Tema, Kumasi and Takoradi under a Public-Private Partnership agreement. Under the terms, Atlantic Com¬panies would construct, supervise and operate the Suburban Railway System in the Metropolitan areas. Another concession agreement has been signed with M/S Peatrack, which covers the design, building, operating and transfer for the construction, expansion and operation of a modem rail network between Accra- Tema and Paga for "period of 35 years. Source: The Statesman