OF THE NEW OUAGADOUGOU – KUMASI RAILWAY LINE (800 KM), BURKINA FASO AND GHANA

The study targets the construction of a new 800-km single-line railway, including approximately 170 km in Burkina Faso and 625 km in Ghana. The new line will be at a standard gauge (1435 mm) and includes several passenger and freight stations along the way.

This new railway will promote the integration of the Western African States through an increase in commercial trading while creating a positive impact on the region’s economic and social development. A major objective of this project is to provide a new access to the sea for the land-locked Burkina Faso.

Services provided (2005 - 2007)

Dessau carried out the preliminary technical study, which included developing various alignments, analyzing current railway infrastructures in both countries, and setting up a preliminary project cost estimate of the project. Dessau‘s services also included a preliminary study of the environmental and social impacts, including gender analysis, a regulatory and legislative framework analysis, an economic feasibility analysis, and the formulation of recommendations targeting technological transfer. Expertise was provided in the following areas:

• Rail alignment
• Railway infrastructures
• Bridges and Tunnels
• Signals and Telecommunication
• Buildings (stations)
• Train operation
• Transportation economy
• Environmental and social impacts
• Institutional support

Client

Department of Infrastructures, Transportation and Housing, Burkina Faso

Department of Ports and Railways, Ghana