TA to Rail Sector Development

Project Background:      

The experts collected and consolidated all available and relevant data on the rail network, including parts of the Mozambican and Zambian networks (especially Chipata Dry Port project in Eastern Zambia), in order to perform a traffic forecast and CBA. The aim was to assess the financial and economic viability of a rehabilitation programme for the Malawi railway infrastructure. The consultant recommended an action plan for rehabilitation and maintenance including an emergency programme for immediate rehabilitation.

Objectives:

The global objective was the reduction of transport costs within the region. The specific objective was the compilation of data for the successful launch of a full Malawi Railway Rehabilitation Programme Study.

Activities:

•  Collect and consolidate all relevant available data (interviews with representatives of MTPWH, railways, operators, industry, and site surveys on large sections) and reports on the rail system
•  Assess the status of the regional rail concessions and ongoing renegotiation and provide expert input as requested into the renegotiation process
•  Outline the requirements for rail regulation at national and regional level
•  Summarise the condition of the regional rail and relevant port infrastructure and provide initial estimates for rehabilitation cost (disaggregate analysis per track sections, stations, bridges, culverts, and technology)
•  Assess the 2007 technical proposal for the rehabilitation of the Sena-Blantyre line
•  Compile data on current and potential traffic levels and types (disaggregate per commodities, O&D, rolling stock needs, and seasonalities)
•  Assess the economic viability of the rehabilitation of the rail network (esp. transport cost and time savings) and steps to make the rehabilitation bankable for private sector and/or development bank investment
•  Contribute to the finalization of the terms of reference and launch of the Railway Rehabilitation Programme
•  Recommend an action plan for rehabilitation, institutional strengthening, and capacity building
•  Facilitate the regional Rail Task Force meetings and assist in clarifying the regional positions and assess regional hindrances and opportunities.