The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is planning to implement several mega projects in the upcoming years as part of its growth and transformation plans (GTP). In this context, Yapi Merkezi will contribute significantly to Ethiopia’s economic growth with the construction of Awash-Weldia/Hara Gabaya Railway Project.

The contract was signed between Ethiopia Railways Corporation general manager Dr Getachew Betru, Yapi Merkezi board member Erdem Arioglu and general manager Ozge Arioglu in the testimony of Ethiopia Deputy Prime Minister Haile Mariam Dessalegn. Turkey’s Ethiopia ambassador Kenan Ipek, Ethiopia’s Turkey ambassador Dr Mulatu Teshome Wirtu and Yapi Merkezi board chairman Emre Aykar also signed the contract as witnesses. Eximbank Buyers’ credit division coordinator Ali Koray Erden and Turkish State Railways research and planning commission manager Abdullah Corak were present as observers.

The project, which has a length of 389km, will be built as a single line, initiating from the north east of the city of Awash and arrive to Weldia / Hara Gabaya through the city of Kombolcha.

The Awash-Weldia / Hara Gabaya project has a significant importance as it connects the northern and eastern economic and traffic corridor of Ethiopia. The railway to be built will connect the railway lines from Mekelle to Hara Gebeya and then Addis to Djibouti, which is the main transport corridor for both passenger and freight traffic, and for transport of imported and exported goods via Djibouti Port. Furthermore, the construction of this railway will play an active and significant role in connecting the northern region of the country with the central part.

Project details

The Awash-Weldia / Hara Gabaya Railway project shall be completed in 42 months and the design works for the project will be handled by Yapı Merkezi as well. In addition to the length of the main line, which is approximately 389kms, station lines are 18kms and the maintenance lines are 40kms. The length of the total line is approximately 447kms.

Besides the main railway line, depot and stabling lines are considered to be electrified by overhead catenary system. Signalling and telecommunication works are considered to be covered for all railway line and stations in addition to the construction of an Operation Control Center.

There are three terminal stations and six intermediate stations will be constructed. Also, two platforms are considered to be built for the Terminal stations whereas one platform shall be built for the intermediate stations. Besides the station works, twp main maintenance facilities and relevant tools and equipment are considered as well.