Rehabilitation of National Railway Network

The Government will be moving forward with plans to rehabilitate the national railway network as part of efforts to improve and diversify the country’s transport sector.

This was announced by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, as he delivered the Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament for the 2017-18 legislative year at Gordon House today (February 9).

The rail service will be reinstated on a phased basis in partnership with North American rail and highway contractor, Herzog International.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the resumption of the passenger and cargo rail service was signed on December 9, 2016.

Trains will be rolled out in three phases in the first instance, to include: Phase 1 – Montego Bay to Appleton; Phase 2 – Spanish Town to Ewarton; and Phase 3 – Spanish Town to Clarendon.

The Governor-General noted that the initiative, which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport and Mining, is in keeping with the Government’s development agenda.

“With a growing population, particularly in urban areas, improved transportation is critical. In keeping with the Government’s overarching development agenda of economic growth and job creation, it is imperative to provide a safe, efficient and competitive transport system. As such, the Administration plans to rehabilitate the railway network and increase mobility for the country to compete more effectively in a continually changing global market,” he said.

In addition, the Airports Authority of Jamaica has devised and commenced further upgrades of the Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA).

The expanded airport facilities will enable the accommodation of special aircraft that will assist in increasing commercial passenger movement and general aviation traffic.

The Throne Speech was delivered under the theme: ‘A Firm Foundation for Prosperity’.