The Indian government is committed to assist Fiji with the development of a substantial railway network that would cater for passengers and cargo.

India’s High Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas Sapkal says with the conclusion of the pro-feasibility study by their railway ministry, there are discussions now on what the next steps will be.

“We will be in the process of doing a detailed project report that will be done and subsequently the works can be undertaken.”

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office Yogesh Karan says it’s clear that the current railway system in place for the Sugar sector needs to be upgraded after years of neglect.

He adds that while this was the initial discussion with the Indian Government, the study which was undertaken in February looks at a broader network that would feature a passenger railway system in the Suva-Nausori corridor.

Karan says at this stage, discussions are in the preliminary stages with the study making a number of recommendations for the Fijian government to consider.