As part of the preparations for the operationalisation of Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line and outdooring of the two new Diesel Multiple Engines (DMUs) procured for the line, the Ministry of Railways Development (MoRD) together with its agencies organized a tour for the media. The purpose was to showcase the trains and the recently completed line as well as highlight the ticketing arrangements for the train services.

The tour commenced at the Tema Maintenance Workshop where Dr. Divine Okutu, General Manager of the Tema-Mpakadan Line conducted the media round the facilities. Briefing the press, Dr Okutu highlighted the ancillary structures including the railhead, Operation Control Centre (OCC), train washing areas, refuelling centre, the workshop, amongst others. On board the train, he provided the media with a firsthand look at the train’s features, safety measures, sanitary provisions, indicative train schedules and fares.

From the Maintenance Yard, the various media personnel had a first experience of the train journey through the Tema Harbour Station, Tema Industrial Area Station and terminated at the Ashaiman Station. As well as observing train arrival and departure procedures, media personnel were shown passenger provisions, the waiting areas, washrooms, ticketing arrangements utilising the turnstile gates provided at each station for fare controls.

Discussing the infrastructure and safety challenges confronting the rail operations Mr Al-Amin I. Al-Hassan, Director Policy, Planning, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPRME) of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) said, rail components such as bolts, fish plates, etc, are being stolen; installations at station,  point machines, and other trackside equipment and elemental control apparatus for signalling and telecommunication are being vandalised. These pose significant threats to the integrity of the infrastructure and passenger safety during operations. In addition to high operational costs in part replacements, he stated that security of the line is compromised.

Additional concerns to operation safety, according to Mr Al-Hassan, involve encroachment on the Railway Right of Way. Despite efforts by the GRDA and the MoRD at clearly demarcating the boundaries, squatters have encroached on the railway corridor and erected unauthorised structures within proximity to the rail tracks presenting challenges the operational safety and efficiency of the rail line. He appealed to the public to respect the rail line’s Right of Way and to report any incidents of theft or vandalism to the authorities. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rail infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient transportation services.

The ticketing system to be adopted for the line was demonstrated by Naa ….. Sales Manager at the MoRD and the app developers. It was explained that the rail service will utilize a modern ‘tap and go’ ticketing system, offering passengers a seamless and hassle-free travel experience. Tickets can be easily purchase both online (through the rail service’s website or mobile app) and at rail stations (at designated ticketing counters). The ‘tap and go’ system allows passengers to simply tap their tickets or smart cards on the reader at the station entrance and exit, making it easy to travel without the need for cash or paper tickets.

Broadly, the media tour was successful at familiarizing the public with the new train service and generating excitement. With the train set to begin operations soon, this tour provided a sneak peek into what passengers can expect from this modern and efficient mode of transportation.

Nana Ama.

(Corporate Affairs, GRDA)

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