Addis Ababa
proposed interurban

A 100km rapid transit link between Addis Ababa and Nazareth is being developed as a joint effort of the Ethiopian government and various private sector interests.

The 15 station line, more of an interurban than light rail, would use either new rail track parallel to the existing Ethio-Djibouti Railway, or updated track to the existing railway.  Services would run every 10 minutes, serving stations in Meskel Flower, Gottera, Ring Road, Kaliti, Akake, Dukem, Debre Ziet and Mojo. Also included would be an electric trolleybus feeder system. Power would be supplied by the  Ethiopian Electric & Power Authority (EEPA).

Project Director Dr Getachew Betru of GBA Consultancy, who rumour has it also sits on the board of the EEPA,  says the line would be built by a public-private partnership and  take two years to complete. Dr. Betru claimed the project. already endorsed by the government, will begin construction in March of 2005.

Unfortunately, many residents enjoy substandard housing without running water, so the prospect of a new rail line seems unusual.