07/05/2011
French loan gives Baghdad hanging train green light
Baghdad, A French company planning to build a train that hangs below its tracks in Baghdad, has secured a loan from the French government to make the project a reality.
The deputy governor of Baghdad, Muhammad al-Shammari, told AKnews that the company, that had been facing financial troubles, should now be able to go ahead with the construction.
He said: "The hanging train project will hopefully be up and working by the end of the year. This is one of our priorities as it will greatly contribute to the upgrading of transportation in the capital.
"The final contract will be concluded with the company after we finish the study into the economic feasibility and payment mechanisms of project funds according to the investment system in the country."
The project was proposed last June but has since met with problems.
The train will go to the following areas: Shaab , Mustansiriya , Waziriya , Sarafiya bridge , Utaifiyya , Kadhimiya , Al-Alawi and Al-Muthanna airport.
Baghdad is in the grip of a transport crisis due to the large number of military checkpoints slowing traffic almost to a stand-still.
The increasing number of cars and closure many main due to the security situation has also contributed to this.
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