Nairobi, December 15 (Xinhua) -- The meter-gauge railway project from Liruta District, Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, to Ngong Town, Kajado County, undertaken by Chinese enterprises was officially launched on the 15th.
Kenya**Ruto said at the groundbreaking ceremony of the project that the project is a major livelihood project in Kenya, which will greatly alleviate the traffic congestion problem in the southwest of Nairobi after completion, provide great convenience for the daily commuting of residents along the line, and help reduce the cost of living for the people in an all-round way.
It is understood that the project is the first urban commuter railway project undertaken by China Road and Bridge Engineering Co., Ltd. in Kenya. A total of four stations are designed for the project line, and the main line is about 1215 kilometers of track-laying, the station line is about 242 kilometers, the project contract period is 24 months.
Jiao Xuxue, deputy general manager of CRBC Kenya, said the project will strengthen the connection between Nairobi's city centre and surrounding areas, facilitate Nairobi's 2030 strategic plan for commuter rail network, and provide more travel options for local residents. At the same time, the project will help Kenya make full use of its existing railway resources and promote Kenya as a regional transportation hub.
Kenya's transport minister, Kipchuba Mulkomen, said the project will be part of the 165-kilometre Nairobi commuter railway. Transport infrastructure can contribute to Kenya's economic transformation by facilitating the movement of people and creating jobs. (ENDS).