Fiji Sun Opinion
Around the world, Railways have been the preferred and one of the most economical forms of travel for passengers and to carry cargo.
India has one of the largest railways in the world and their metros, which is the railway in Indian cities, is one of the newest and most advanced in the world.
Huge Step
The fact that Indian experts are coming to Fiji to do a study on how we can connect our towns and cities with railways is a huge step in the right direction.
It is a huge step towards modernising Fiji, a huge step in bringing Fiji on a par with our more developed neighbours- Australia and New Zealand.
Fiji has always led the charge among countries in the Pacific and if we are to lead the charge in setting up our railways for passengers and for cargo it will change the face of our country.
Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, during his meeting with the India’s Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, said that using an upgraded rail system for passengers and cargo would greatly relieve pressure on Fijian roads.
It is indeed fundamental to the long-term sustainable development of the country.
Inspiring leadership
Achieving something of this magnitude has no doubt required a lot of negotiation and Mr Sayed-Khaiyum is just the man for it.
His foresight that Fiji needs a railway system in place will benefit Fijians not only today but also for generations to come.
Some of the areas in which we will no doubt make the most of the railway system is tourism, daily travels and transporting cargo.
Tourists getting off at Nadi International Airport will be able to travel easily throughout the country. That will mean the tourism dollar will be spent in more places rather than being confined to one or two towns.
Brightened Prospects
Imagine being able to transport vegetables from Sigatoka to Suva in a matter of less than an hour. Not only will the cost of transportation decrease for farmers but that decrease in price will be passed onto Fijians every day.
Imagine not being stuck in traffic every single morning. Travel from Suva to Nausori could be a journey of less than 15 minutes. The same can be expected for travel time between Nadi and Lautoka.
This is a win-win situation for Fiji and we have the right man leading the charge on this front.
-Under Special Arrangement with the Fiji Sun.
Photo :
Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum with India’s Railways Minister Piyush Goyal.
