The project is expected to start trial operation on September 2 and commercial operation in November next year, 11 months behind the schedule approved by the Government and the Ministry of Transport in February this year.
The project has continuously been delayed because of difficulties in disbursement of funds, especially from the additional loan agreement of US$250.62 million signed on May 11, 2017. The loan has yet been able to disburse because relevant sides have not reached an agreement in legal basis.
Other reasons for the delay include limited management ability of inexperienced main contractor resulting in late and unscientific design, construction, establishment of project payment acceptance and completion documents.
The Railway Projects Management Board said that problems in disbursement had basically been solved. The Ministry of Transport has suggested Chinese Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) contractor to improve management and construction ability to ensure the project’s new progress.
