The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), Dr Frederick Appoh, has stated that poor urban planning makes it impossible for Ghana to invest in underground train systems.
He explained that Accra, for example, is highly susceptible to flooding due to its poorly planned layout, which severely complicates infrastructure development of this nature.
To construct such a network, specialized heavy engineering equipment known as Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) would be required to excavate tunnels through diverse geological formations.
These advanced machines feature a rotating cutter head, hydraulic thrust systems, and trailing support gantries that simultaneously bore the earth and install tunnel linings.
However, Dr Appoh noted that constructing just a single kilometre of this railway would cost an estimated $32 million.
The GRDA boss was responding to questions regarding Ghana’s readiness and capacity to invest in underground transit networks. Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he said, “Underground train service, otherwise known as Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), costs about $32 million per kilometre. After that, you would also have to do civil works to ensure structural integrity. When you take Accra and its poor planning, some parts of Accra are susceptible to flooding, and because of that, we cannot do underground train systems.”
Instead, Dr Appoh suggested that Ghana focus on mixed-model train systems, which include light rail and monorail, commonly referred to as sky trains. He noted that existing road medians could be repurposed as rail lines, specifically highlighting the corridor from Oyarifa to Ridge as a viable route.
“These things are possible, and the only thing we need is dedicated funding to invest in these projects,” he added.
He added by stating that successful management of the transport sector relies on three pillars: political will, technical competence, and dedicated funding.
He also reiterated that President John Dramani Mahama has demonstrated significant commitment to transforming the nation’s railway sector.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
