Infrastructure Minister Vincent Karega, has said that the new railway that will link Kigali with other east African countries, will boost Rwanda to favourably compete  in the region.

The implementation of a railway project that will link Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi is estimated to cost between $3.4 billion to $5.1 billion.

On telephone from Arusha, Tanzania, where he was attending the launch of a two-day investors’ forum, the minister disclosed that the project is an opportunity to the country.

He further observed that the railway line would provide a cheaper alternative for bulk transport and improve the competitiveness of Rwanda and the entire community.

"We are convinced that the partnership between the public and private sectors will be deepened through an appropriately structured PPP initiative for the implementation of the project,” Karega said.

Meanwhile the project involves the upgrading of Dar es Salaam-Isaka railway to a standard level as well as constructing a new railway from Isaka in Tanzania to Kigali, and Opening the forum, Tanzania’s President, Jakaya Kikwete, said that the three countries were already partnering with private companies to ensure the funding of the project.

"We are ready to do this on the basis of Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) or joint ventures in ownership and management,” he said.

He said the railway would provide market for the region and act as a central transport corridor to Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and DRC.

Africa Development Bank and the US government are among the funders that have been approached to assist in the project.

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