Railway system the ‘cheapest’

Moving cane via railway is the cheapest mode of transport and Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh says he will visit India soon to hold talks with Indian companies on the possibility of setting up a new railway system, and if necessary, to privatise it.

He said this at a consultation with farmers in Navo, Nadi, last Sunday.

“The railway system is the cheapest mode and it was totally dismantled,” said Mr Singh.

“We have a report from 10 years ago on the railway system and how to strengthen it – we will need to update that report.

“We are going to India later in the month where we will meet industry stakeholders where possible, we will pursue a joint venture in Fiji.

“If we will need to privatise the rail system under a joint venture, we will do it.”

Mr Singh said he was putting together an assistance package for farmers that would be presented to Cabinet soon.