Turkish Companies Expand Railway Projects in East Africa
In a significant development for regional infrastructure, the Ugandan government has signed a monumental agreement with the Turkish construction firm Yapi Merkezi, valued at approximately $3 billion, to construct the Eastern Railway Line. This ambitious project, spanning 273 kilometers, will connect Uganda to Kenya, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing regional trade and economic integration.
The construction is set to commence in November 2024, with a projected timeline of 48 months for completion. During the signing ceremony held in Kampala, Erdem Arioglu, the deputy chairman of Yapi Merkezi, expressed pride in undertaking one of the largest projects executed by Turkish contractors abroad. He emphasized the company's commitment to leveraging its extensive expertise in railway engineering to deliver optimal solutions for this vital project.
Ugandan Minister of Transport Katumba Wamala echoed these sentiments, highlighting the project as a historic advancement in Uganda's transportation landscape. He expressed confidence in Yapi Merkezi's ability to complete the project successfully and on schedule, given their proven track record in executing railway projects across Africa.
Financing for the Eastern Railway Line will be sourced from a combination of Ugandan government funds and loans from export credit organizations. The initiative is part of a broader vision to develop a 1,700-kilometer electrified railway network, with the first phase beginning in Kampala and extending to Mombasa, Kenya’s Indian Ocean port. This project signifies a shift from a previous agreement with China Harbour Engineering Corporation Limited, which was abandoned after unsuccessful negotiations for funding.
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