Dr. Fredrick Appoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), has announced that plans are underway to integrate a rail system into the Kumasi Expressway project.
He highlighted the necessity of comprehensive feasibility studies for the 188-kilometre stretch, which is intended to accommodate a high-speed intercity rail connecting major urban hubs.
To ensure the viability of this infrastructure, Dr. Appoh stated that the plan involves reserving at least 200 feet on either side of the expressway specifically for railway development.
He explained that while this reservation is a core part of the initial project assessment, formal feasibility studies must be completed before further steps are taken.
Appearing on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he provided further detail on the scope of the project
“We are reserving at least 200 feet either way of the expressway for railway. So that will be part of the initial assessment, but for that to take place, a feasibility study needs to be conducted. If you look at the Kumasi Expressway project, it is 188 kilometres, so that will provide a high-speed railway where we can have more or less what we call intercity rail that will connect the two cities.”
He was, however, quick to emphasise that ensuring a connection to Boankra remains a vital component of the design.
While acknowledging that passenger services are an important public service initiative for the movement of people, Dr. Appoh noted that there is an equally pressing need to prioritize cargo services within the project’s framework.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
