General News of Thursday, 27 November 2008

Source: GNA

Government acquires Diesel Multiple Unit trains

Accra, Nov. 27, GNA - The government has acquired Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains to boost the railway sector, a statement signed by Mr Ahmed Ayuba, Special Assistant to the Minister of Harbours and Railways, said in Accra on Thursday.

It said the acquisition of the DMUs would enable Ghana Railways Company Limited to bolster the railway transport and effectively complement operations of the sub-urban train shuttle service within the metropolis.

A diesel multiple unit is a multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board diesel engines. It said, in view of this development, government has also facilitated a training programme for 22 railway men comprising engineers and pilots to China to undertake training in the most effective way of handling and ensuring periodical maintenance and services of the DMUs. It said the ministry had, on behalf of the government made pragmatic interventions, including other measures geared towards revamping the rail sector to enable it to position itself in the quest for mass transit and freight carriage. The intervention is also to ensure the skill enhancement of the workforce.