The Jamaica Railway Corporation (JRC) is set to begin work on the launch of the first phase of tourist train services between Montpelier, St. James and Appleton Estate in St. Elizabeth.
The contract includes reconstruction of the railway track, procurement of trains and construction of necessary infrastructure along the route.
JRC will also begin preparations for the launch of passenger and freight train services between Spanish Town and Kingston.
In addition, the company will complete the roll-out of a commercial rail service from Bodles Junction in St Catherine to Linstead, specialising in the transport of aggregates.
These activities are part of JRC’s planned continuity strategy for the current financial year, which aims to revitalize and expand rail services and better position the entity to optimize financial performance.
Details of these and other contracts are set out in the Jamaica Public Sector Budget and Expenditures for the end of the 2024/25 financial year.
JRC will also begin discussions with private investors to secure funding for building rail infrastructure, rehabilitating existing rolling stock, procuring new trains and upgrading its Kingston factory.
Meanwhile, the company plans to continue monetizing its properties to generate optimal returns from its portfolio.
The company is also looking to expand its rental land and properties and is considering introducing a cashless rent collection system for tenants.
The JRC is a statutory body established under the Jamaica Railway Corporation Act of 1960.
