Tunisia - Railway infrastructure modernization project

The project for modernization of railway infrastructure is one component of Transport Sector Programme (TSP) for the period 1997-2001, and it aims to upgrade the transport sector by improving transport service efficiency and quality. The project as designed, is part of the efforts towards modernization of SNCFT production capacity, in line with the exigencies of transport market competitivity. It aids the strengthening of the production facilities and thus i) improve the conditions for safe circulation of trains; ii) minimize degradation of equipment and installations as a result of the state of the track; iii) improve the quality of service through reduction of travel time on the Tunis-Ghardimaou, Tunis-Sousse and Tunis-Gabès lines and introduce a real- time passenger information system; iv) to save on operating costs; and improve passenger and employee safety on the lines concerned. By enabling SNCFT to be more competitive, the project will make it possible to decrease the State subsidy to USD 80 million yearly during the 9th plan, which is 20% less than would have been required in the absence of the railroad reforms. It will be implemented over a total period of 48 months.