Addis Ababa light rail

[John Ashworth]

ADDIS ABABA LIGHT RAIL

On September 18, 2012 Railways Africa

The Ethiopian government is to contribute 15% of the $US400 million needed to fund the new 34.25km electric light rail system in Addis Ababa, with the rest coming from China. There are to be two lines: one 16.9km in length running north-south and the other 17.35km east-west. A 2.7km central portion will be common to both lines.

The Ethiopian Railway Corporation (ERC) and the Addis Ababa City Roads Authority (AACRA) are in disagreement over how the tracks are to fit in with existing main roads, intersections and roundabouts. A number of high-level meetings have taken place in an attempt to find compromise solutions.

[Tony Mackay]

Hi John,
The Chinese seem to be ploughing many millions of dollars into railway projects all over Africa. I just wonder whether they ever learnt anything from the Tazara experience.
Regards
Tony

[John Ashworth]

One would hope so! There were huge problems with the Tazara in the early days, I seem to remember, some of which were subsequently resolved. China has definitely entered the world motive power and rolling stock market. But it's worrying to see reports (elsewhere on this and other forums) that Chinese motive power as far apart as Namibia and Australia still seems to be giving problems.