INDIA-GHANA RELATIONSHIP ON FAST TRACK

Afcons is constructing the largest railway network in the West African nation.

The development of a nation hinges significantly on its transport infrastructure. Railways, one of the oldest forms of mass transit, is the universal mode of transport for people and goods across the world. Apart from being relatively cheap, it is a safer and cleaner mode of commute. In recent times, railway projects have received a significant thrust across the globe owing to concerns over rising fuel prices and environmental pollution caused by other modes of transport.

Nation Building

Afcons has been present in the railway sector for over a decade now. The company has consistently contributed to nation building by being part of several landmark railway projects that have changed the face of regions as well as countries. The company is a key player in the Udhampur Srinagar Baramullah Rail Link (USBRL) Project in Jammu &Kashmir. It is constructing 17 bridges, including the Chenab Railway Bridge, and 16 tunnels in the project.The company recently completed the mammoth steel arch of the Chenab Railway Bridge. Once complete, the world's highest railway bridge will ease connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of India. Kerala's Vallarpadam Railway Bridge is India's longest railway bridge, which was completed in record time of 27 months.

Afcons' railway expertise extends beyond India. The company, in JV with IRCON, completed the Second Bhairabh Bridge over the River Meghna for Ministry of Bangladesh, which is a critical link in the Dhaka-Chittagong rail route. At present, the company is part of the Dhaka-Tongi-Joydebpur Railway Project in the country, in JV with Kalpa-Taru Power Transmission Ltd. It involves construction of around 35 kms of railway network as well as two Major Bridges and 24 Minor Bridges.

Connecting Ghana

Afcons' biggest turnkey railway project, by far, is underway in the African nation of Ghana. The Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project begins at Tema in the Greater Accra Region and passes through Afienya, North Tongu District in the Volta Region, Manya Krobo and terminates at Mpakadan. The 97-km project is part of the 1,000 km Ghana-Burkina Faso Railway Interconnectivity Project, expected to connect Tema to Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso.

This is the company'sfirst-ever EPC railway project and is also the largest such project to be constructed in the West African country. The project involves over 65 lakh cum of earthwork, construction of 159 structures, including 120 box culverts, 22 Road under Bridges, 11 Road over Bridges and four bridges, seven passenger stations, installing signalling and tele-communication system, rail head facilities at Temaand Mpakadan, maintenance facilities for loco and wagon at Tema. Besides these, the scope also includes capacity building, wherein railway staff has to be trained in operations and maintenance.

Innovations Galore

As part of this project, Afcons established a Sleeper Plant using theLong Line Method on site for thefirst time in its history. Considering the prospects and opportunities in the railway sector in the country, the company took this bold decision with the support of an experienced team. A Sleeper Plant,with the capacity of producing 720 sleepers per day, was set up within three months.

Apart from the Sleeper Plant, the project is the custodian of several other innovations. The Sleeper Mould Vibrator, Sleeper Laying Machine and Rail Lifting and Unloading System designed by Afcons engineers resulted in improved output, saving time and cost.

Bridge over Lake Volta

The 300m steel bridge across Lake Volta, which is, at present, underway, is the most critical part of the project. Stretching over 8,000 sq kms and more than 70m deep the Volta Lake is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the world. The bridge is being constructed on the downstream side of the Akosombo Dam over Lake Volta. The width of the lake at the location of the bridge is approximately 300m.

The Volta Bridge consists of five spans of 60m each. It will become the longest railway bridge in Ghana with a superstructure made of 60m steel girder, the longest in the country's infrastructure history.

Afcons mobilised a special team to design and execute this deep profile bridge. Specialised equipment have been deployed for this critical activity, including a 1,000 MT capacity steel barge (using approximately 350MT structural steel), which was exclusively designed and fabricated in-house with necessary certifications from Volta River Authority and maritime authorities. Reverse Circulation Drill (RCD), Vibro Hammer, 260 MT and 150 MT cranes and tugboats from different countries have been brought in to execute 30 straight and raker piles.

The initial profile of the bridge factored in straight piling. However, following deliberations, raker concrete piles of 1.6m diameter was proposed by Afcons as it would be most conducive as well as cost effective under the existing conditions. The present design provides for vertical piles at abutment locations and raker piles at all pier locations. This is the first-of-its-kind in Afcons's history, making it another milestone in Extreme Engineering.

The High Commissioner of India, in Ghana, recently witnessed the laying of raker pile foundation and tweeted in appreciation for the innovative construction technology deployed by Afcons.

Bright Future

This is Afcons' first EPC railway project and its first project in Ghana and the team is setting anexample of executing an overseasproject with utmost efficiency. Inclusion is a key aspect of all of Afcons' projects and the team has blended with the locals and is ensuring skills are transferred so that an indelible mark is left even after the completion of the project.

Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project is set to improve transportation and prepare Ghana for its first multi-modal transport system. Despite time lost owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the project is nearly 80% complete, and has been endorsed by the nation's leaders since its inception.

During his latest visit to the site, the Honourable President of Ghana His Excellency Mr Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed his satisfaction towards the progress made by Afcons in the face of this unprecedented crisis. This project has become the symbol of strong ties between Ghana and India.

The socio-economic impact of the project is massive with a potential to change the face of the region, the nation at large, and make the dreams of the people to better their lives come true.

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