The Ghana Railway Company Limited received a huge boost for its commercial operations when it began a series of test runs on the Takoradi to Tarkwa line. The line is part of the Western line which serves primarily the south western part of the country.

Commuters from Takoradi to Tarkwa, heaved a sigh of relief on Tuesday when the passenger train service commenced work after 12 years break with a free ride.

The Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) had in an earlier release said rehabilitation works on the railway line have been completed and free rides will be available from Takoradi to Tarkwa on January 28, 30 and 31.

The statement said several successful test runs with the Ghana Railway Development Authority have also been conducted hence the free passenger service from Takoradi to Tarkwa. 

It further indicated that the Western Line is being revamped and occasionally there will be the need for GRCL to stop operations to enable the contractor do some civil works on the line.

Although commercial service will officially begin on February 5, the excitement on the faces of residents who boarded the train for the first time was evident.

The train which was ready by early morning, departed from the Takoradi station to Tarkwa with the first batch of passengers and departed from the Tarkwa station back to Takoradi at 3:00 pm.

The train had on board representatives from the Ministry of Railways Development, Ghana Railway Company Limited, Ghana Railway Workers Union as well as some technical team and administrative staff of GRCL.