core sector communique

Plans for East African rail project headed by ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik

ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik GmbH is again expanding its business abroad. For some time now its project managers have been busy on what is very likely one of Africa's biggest infrastructure undertakings at present: the railway link between Southern Sudan and Uganda.

The rail project, which will link Juba, the capital of the partly autonomous Southern Sudan with Gulu in Northern Uganda, and in the initial construction phase continue to Tororo, Southern Uganda, will have a total length of around 725 km and help open up the regional markets for the more cost-competitive import and export of commodities. There also exists an option to continue construction from Juba to Wau in Southern Sudan and for a link to the neighboring nations of Kenya and Ethiopia.

ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik had a consultancy and supporting role for the New Sudan Foundation which on behalf of the Southern Sudan government GOSS, rigorously worked on the realization of this essential transport route for the region. Together with Ayr Logistics Ltd., Texas, it will be largely involved in all the planning and construction contracting activities. Placing the order is the newly formed East African Railway.
The plans for the routing of the phase 1 sections are to commence shortly.

The rail line links the region's business centers. Constructing improved haulage links promotes economic upswing and lower prices for consumer goods; additional jobs are created. The railways are also needed for transporting the abundant mineral resources.

With the completion of the financing the preconditions are set for ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik to make available the company's engineering expertise and the supply capabilities for this important infrastructure project. Among those contracted for the construction work is the Russian company MosMetrostroy, which played a major role in laying the foundation stone for sound project financing.

On this megaproject, some US $2 to 3 billion will be invested simply in laying the rail network. Added to this are planned follow-up investments in buildings, hotels, roads, power plants, and in other infrastructure projects.

About ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik
ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik GmbH, Essen, Germany, ranks among the worldwide leading suppliers of railway equipment systems with special emphasis on classical products such as new and used rails, sleepers, points, rail fasteners for all types of permanent-way systems. Rounding off the range are rolling stock and its refurbishment, wagons and their accessories, and a full range of services. Engineering and supplying complete rail and point systems are among the specialties of ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik.