Ghana needs an estimated amount of 7.8 billion dollars to construct its rail tracks.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Railway Development, Joe Ghartey.

In an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, Ghartey said the estimated budget was put together by consultancy firm “team engineers” in 2013.

He, therefore, admitted that the cost of construction could increase. This will then cause the government to also increase its budget allocation for the sector.

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“When you look at the figures there may be changes because this was in 2013. So it may be 7.8 minimum but if you add all the associated infrastructures, the rolling stock and others, it will be more than that.”

In a related development, the Nana Addo-led government has shortlisted 6 companies to construct the railway lines in Ghana.

Ghartey said the government has also started the process to commission feasibility studies to construct railway lines to connect to the various agricultural producing areas.

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The Minister was addressing an audience at a Railway investment opportunities meeting at the Israelis Ambassador’s residence in Accra.

“We are in the process of commissioning a feasibility study for this plan. This is a proposal by engineers who did the master plan. It passes through Takyiman but the feasibility study can tell us for example that instead of teaching, we should divert so this is the proposal going onto the next stage.”

“We are also in the process of awarding the contract as well,” he said.