Mongolia May Opt Broad Gauge Rail Line

Mongolia may choose broad gauge rail line as the country’s main ruling political forces are likely to narrow down their views to put an end to uncertainty over the country’s entire railway policy.

Parliament seated faction of MPRP are likely to support the government-submitted broad gauge line to be built from Tavan Tolgoi to Sainshand and further to Choibalsan to the east.

Currently two major plans are ongoing as hot debates both among lawmakers and public: one narrow gauge railway to be drawn from Tavan Tolgoi to the nearest Chinese border; and broad gauge line to be connected to central Trans-Mongolia line.

Narrow gauge railway lines are to be funded by the private businesses while the broad gauges, more strategic choice according to government officials, would be built state funding.

Residents of Sainshand, a provincial center of Dornogobi aimag, have sent their signatures last week to the government supporting the project that would turn the small town into an industrial hub for the mineral processing industry. The city is expected to process minerals for further export to China and North East Asian nations

source: The UB Post