Research on the Sustainability of the Standard Gauge Railway Construction Project in Tanzania

This exploratory study aimed to examine the validity of the sustainability evaluation model suggested and the sustainability of the standard gauge railway (SGR) construction project in Africa’s developing countries with Tanzania as a case study. By using the proposed railway sustainability evaluation model, the researchers collected data from 300 people, which included workers in the project and people living or conducting businesses along the route of the first phase of the project (Dar-es-salaam to Morogoro). Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using the structural equation model (SEM) technique and correlation analysis. The findings validated the model used to be efficient in railway sustainability evaluation, and also, the researchers were able to realize from the data collected that the first phase of the SGR in Tanzania is sustainable for development. The study suggests encouraging and collaborating with local agencies to improve local railway maintenance and operations skills in order to ensure the project’s long-term viability and extension.

Laos and China's Belt and Road Initiative – Gains and Losses

The article analyzes the consequences of Laos' participation in the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. The benefits acquired and possible losses are assessed. The construction of a railway in Laos, linking it to China, is the most successful Belt and Road project in Southeast Asia, which has a special place in China's strategic plans. The railway construction project is of great economic importance for Laos and in the future can stimulate its economic growth. At the same time, there is a risk of falling into debt dependence on China. The ability of Laos to meet its debt obligations will depend on the profitability of the project, which, however, raises many questions, since the project is more focused on the short-term interests of China than on the long-term interests of Laos. Whether Laos will be able to economically benefit from the construction of the railway remains questionable. But there is no doubt that China will benefit. China will not only strengthen economic presence in this country, relying on the support of the local elite, but also use Laos as a springboard to move deeper into Southeast Asia.

FEASIBILITY STUDY OF A RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AS INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION IN TANJUNG PERAK PORT

The growth of container flows that is not supported by infrastructure needs has caused goods congestion at Tanjung Perak Port. The situation has an impact on the flow of goods and makes container mobilization stop flowing. Railway infrastructure construction is expected to overcome the problem of goods congestion, especially because this project will be integrated with other transportation at the Port in an intermodal transportation system. The Delphi method is used as an approach to get the dominant aspect to be analyzed in a feasibility study of a railway construction project at the Port of Tanjung Perak. Delphi method results show that the financial aspect and market aspect are the dominant parameters to be analyzed in the feasibility study of a railway construction project. The results of the market feasibility analysis showed that 87.67% of stakeholders agreed with the railway development project plan, with a target market of 19.99% of the number of containers and absorption of around 84% of the target market. The results of the financial feasibility analysis are obtained, the Net Present Value (NPV) is 1,184,370> 0 (profitable project), the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) is 1.39 ≥ 1 (the project is feasible), and the value of the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is 13%> MARR, (investment is feasible). From the results of the financial feasibility analysis, the railway construction project is categorized as possible. Meanwhile, the break-even point for this project is in the 12th year with the results of a profit-loss analysis showing that in the fourth year, the railway operational activities have shown a positive trend/profit.