Prime Minister HaileMariam Desalegn laid down a cornerstone yesterday in Ambo town for the construction of a 491km railway that links Addis Ababa with Bedele, known for its dense natural forest and crop production, in Oromoia regional state.
The project is among the eight national railway roots set to be constructed by the Ethiopian Railways Corporation with a total length of 5060km.
Noting the government has been spending the first five years of the growth and transformation plan (GTP), on the agriculture sector, since it is the backbone of the economy, the Prime Minister said the efforts brought significant results.
Engaging in infrastructure development is now important to create market chain between producers and consumers locally and abroad as the agricultural production has been increasing from time to time, he said.
In this regard, the construction of the railway will help farmers in the area transport their products to markets, HaileMariam said.
The railway, with more than 25 stations, will reduce duration producers reach markets and link the nation with South Sudan.
Noting that the area, west Shoa, is known for utilization of modern agricultural equipments, the Premier said the railway will expand mode of transport to reach markets.
Ethiopian Railways Corporation CEO Getachew Betru said the railway, which will finally connect to Sudan, will play significant role in enhancing social, political and economic activities of the areas it crosses as well as the nation.
The country has identified eight railway routes for construction during the first five-year GTP period, to be concluded after two months and the second GTP period.
The Addis Ababa- Ijaji- Jimma- Guraferda- Dima including Jimma-Bedele (direct to Boma with further extension to South Sudan) is among the railway routes ready for construction.
Up on completion this railway route will connect the country with neighboring Sudan.
According to ENA, the nation is engaged in road and railway constructions to increase surface transport locally and connect it with neighboring countries to boost economic ties.
The Addis Ababa – Djibouti railway route that links the country with neighboring Djibouti is among the projects under construction.
Construction of the Addis Ababa – Djibouti railway project has already reached 80 percent.
Construction of another railway root that connects the potash rich northern and northeastern part of the country with Tadjoura port in Djibouti has launched this year.
The Mekele – Weldya/Hara Gebeya – Semera- Tadjourah Port railway project will enable the potash rich part of the country get quick access to ports.