Coal India (CIL) is considering a proposal to join the Ircon International and Rites-led consortium, both subsidiaries of Indian Railways, in constructing and rehabilitating the rail system in Mozambique.
Rites-Ircon syndicate have approached CIL to pick up participatory stake in the Beira Railroad Company engaged in restoring, operating and upgrading 850 km long rail line in central Mozambique, including Beira Port, to carry 12 million tonne of coal annually at an estimated cost of $440 million (approx Rs.2,200 crore). The Rites-Ircon duo holds 51 per cent controlling stake in the consortium while Mozambique Ports & Railways owns the remaining 49 per cent.
According to CIL, the rail system will be of immense importance for evacuation of coal from Mozambique to India. However, it is yet to take a decision in this regard.
Source : www.projectstoday.com
|