[NEWS] Ethiopian Railways Announces Phase 3

Diriba Kuma took the stage yet again. Thankfully, this should be his last time in the spot light for a little while. Not much else was left to do with transportation in Ethiopia. He had accomplished so much in 2 short years but more work did remain.

"It should come as no surprise to Ethiopia or the world that Ethiopian Railways is undergoing major expansion yet again. This time it must connect the final major expansion peace: East Ethiopia."
"Currently the Somali region is very much divided from the rest of Ethiopia but with the new railroad expansion, we expect to bridge this gap and begin industrialization in the region."
"The rail line is to start in Dire Dawa and head southeast towards Harar before heading towards Jijiga. From Jijiga, the rail line will connect to Kebri Beyah, Degeh Bur, Shekosh, Kebri Dehar, Korahe, Shilabo, and Ferfer. From Ferfer, rail will be constructed back west towards Imi before moving on to Raaso, Gasera, Robe, and ending by connecting with the central line at Shahamane. The eastern line is expected to be completed in 6 months and cost about $1.05 billion."
"A secondary rail line will work towards incorporating a secondary line in central Ethiopia and the southeastern portion of the Somali region. It will start in Jimma, head to Dedo, Roba, Dilla, Kibre Mengist, Wadera, Negele, and end in Dolo. This 450 mile line will take about 90 days to complete and will cost around $562.5 million."
"The final rail line will be a connector line in the western regions. It will start in Asosa before heading to Mora, Chagni, Injibara, and finally connecting with the rail line just south of Bahir Dar. It will be roughly 220 miles and take 44 days and 275 million to complete."
"This should be the final expansion year for the Ethiopian Railway project. Next year we will be expecting to downgrade our budget to help in other areas or we will be reallocating to other important projects."

[M] These rail lines should end the majority of expansions other than some possible connections for smarter travel. All of Ethiopia will have rail access in some way or another following 2020. The project will be completed by October 2020.
<February 2020>