Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) on Monday begun to vacate encroachers on the Accra-Tema rail lines, which would pave way for the resumption of train services later this month.
The rail services which should have been reintroduced this month was postponed due to encroachers ostensibly returning to the lines when GRCL workers went on the Christmas break.
Speaking at the demolishing exercise, the project manager at GRCL, Patrick Mensah said the exercise was necessary to safeguard the life of encroaches, noting that settlements close to the rail lines should be at least 50 feet for safety reasons.
Following the exercise, the Company on January 16, 2018 will embark on an inspection of the lines for the resumption of train services.
The exercise to a large extent is expected to give way for the establishment of the standard gauge which is meant for the Ghana-Burkina Faso rail line project.
Whilst dealing with the encroachers to make the lines safe, GRCL has taken insurance cover for all passengers who patronize the trains and is also putting in place mechanisms to ensure maximum passenger safety and comfort.
Background
After 15 months suspension of train services on the Accra-Tema railway line, GRCL is set to reopen operations. Prior to this, the Company has already undertaken a ten day test run from December 22 to 31, 2018.
Suspension of train services was due the derailment that happened at the Tesano section of the line, which necessitated the call for an immediate suspension, since the company could not guarantee the safety of trains and passengers who used the track.
The two main trains that will operate the Accra-Tema shuttle are Train No. S112 and No. S117.
By Joshua W. Amlanu
