New electric train necessitates transport infrastructure upgrade

30 December 2009

The construction of extra roads and bridges is expected to accompany the introduction of Tunisia's new electric trains.

Faster and less polluting, the new train will replace older, diesel locomotives and facilitate travel within the capital, particularly between Tunis and its southern suburbs, Tunisia Online News reported.

The project - expected to be finished in October 2010 - will include 55 trains each with the capacity for 2,500 passengers - and will cut journey times by more than a third.

According to the Tunisian Railway Company, which will operate the line, travellers can expect a train every four minutes.

In addition to railway infrastructure, the news source reported that the building of extra bridges and additional roads to allow cars to avoid crossing the tracks shall also be part of preparations.

The northern city of Manouba recently celebrated the opening of a new metro line and the inauguration was attended by president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali.

World fm Brunei reported the new service is expected to serve some 70,000 passengers each day.

Category: Transport