Afcons Infrastructure completes Ghana’s longest railway bridge over Volta River

Ghana has reached a landmark achievement in its infrastructure development with the commissioning of the Tema-Mpakadan Standard Gauge Railway Line. This pioneering project, built by Afcons Infrastructure Limited, is the centrepiece of the nation’s first multimodal transport system, integrating rail, road, and water networks to drive economic growth. Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presided over the inauguration, highlighting the railway’s critical role in modernizing the country’s transportation landscape and enhancing connectivity.

The $447 million railway project spans 100 kilometers and connects the bustling Tema Port to Buipe Port via Volta Lake, facilitating smoother movement of goods and passengers. It includes seven passenger stations, a cutting-edge 300-meter bridge over the Volta River—the longest railway bridge in Ghana—and multiple road and rail bridges to improve logistical efficiency. Speaking about its importance, President Akufo-Addo underscored the railway as a vital component in reducing road congestion and bolstering the efficiency of Ghana’s transport systems.

Afcons Infrastructure Limited’s Managing Director, S. Paramasivan, described the project as a testament to the company’s engineering expertise. He cited the construction of the Volta River bridge as an example of the extreme engineering capabilities that Afcons brought to the venture. The railway, financed through a line of credit from India Exim Bank, is expected to significantly reduce Ghana’s reliance on road transport for long-distance freight, unlocking new opportunities for trade and economic growth.

The railway line is part of a broader vision to enhance Ghana’s transport infrastructure through multimodal solutions. Experts in transportation have noted that integrating rail with road and water transport systems offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable alternative to traditional methods. By reducing dependency on road transport, the railway will decongest key routes, streamline port operations, and enhance logistical efficiency for industries across the region.

Afcons Infrastructure Limited, a flagship company of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, has long been a leader in infrastructure engineering. With a legacy spanning over six decades, the company has established itself as a global player in executing technologically complex projects. Ranked among the top 120 international contractors by the ENR survey, Afcons is particularly renowned for its work in marine, ports, and bridge construction.

Uday Veer Singh, Executive Vice President of Operations at Afcons, reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure that drives socio-economic transformation. He noted that the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line aligns with the government’s broader goals of enhancing connectivity and boosting Ghana’s trade potential.

This newly inaugurated railway line represents a significant step forward in Ghana’s quest for modernized, efficient, and interconnected transport systems. As the nation celebrates this milestone, the project stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovative engineering and international collaboration.