Transport

SGR access roads upgrade to cost Sh500 million

macharia

Transport secretary James Macharia. file PHOTO | NMG

The government is set to spend Sh500 million upgrading roads leading to the seven intermediate stations along the standard gauge railway (SGR) line in the next six months to allow passengers easier access to the terminals.

There are seven intermediate stations between Nairobi and the coastal town of Mombasa including Athi-River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Maisenyi and Mariakani.

“We are in the process of awarding contracts for the construction of access roads from nearby towns such as Emali to the main terminus along the SGR line at a cost of Sh500 million. 

“We expect construction to start in the next six months,’ said Transport and Infrastructure secretary James Macharia.

He added that the ministry is also considering working with players in the energy industry to upgrade the railway to an electric line at a cost of ShSh65 billion in the next four years.

He said the train started operating on diesel first due to the limited power supply.

Last week, Kenya Railways announced plans to reschedule the departure time for both the express and inter-county train service starting December 1.

This will see the inter-county train service departing Nairobi at 8am and arrive in Mombasa at 1pm.

The Nairobi bound train will leave Mombasa at 7.15am to arrive in Nairobi at 1.15pm, with each train making seven stops along the way.
The express train service will be departing Nairobi at 2.30pm while the Mombasa one will be leaving the coastal city at 3.30pm.

Earlier, Kenya Railways chief executive Atanas Maina said the SGR commuter service had helped move 330,000 Kenyans between Nairobi and Mombasa.