Feature: Residents in Ethiopia's capital express joy over operation of Chinese-built rail project

Residents of Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, have expressed their joy over commencement of operation of the Chinese-built rail project in the capital of the East African country.

Ethiopia on Sunday inaugurated operation of its modern rail project, the Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit (AA-LRT) that has been constructed by China Railway Group (CREC) with 475 million U.S. dollars.

The AA-LRT has officially commenced operation with a colorful ceremony held in Addis Ababa, where the celebrants came with flags of Ethiopia and China in their hands.

The electrified railway project in Addis Ababa, with two lines of total length of 34 km, has been carried out with Ethiopia's first five-year growth and transformation plan (GTP I).

Speaking during the inaugural ceremony, Workneh Gebeyehu, Ethiopian Minister of Transport, has hailed the AA-LRT project a historic achievement to modernize the Addis Ababa city and address the transportation problem in the city.

Some of the residents, who have attended the inaugural ceremony and who were aboard for the inaugural rides, told Xinhua that they are very happy about the project's commencement of operation.

Residents in the city, who cannot afford to buy private vehicles, most of the time, fall in a long queue for taxi and buses especially in rush hours, which in turn causes tardiness.

AA-LRT is believed to address the transportation problem and help punctuality of workers at their working places, and students at their schools.

The Transport Minister said that the fare is cheap that the lower and middle income people be benefited from transportation service of the light rail.

Mussie Wolde-Michael, said that he is very happy with the residents to see the long-awaited rail going operational in Addis Ababa.

"I am very happy. It is a long-awaited railway system that the Addis public is waiting for. Today is really a landmark (event) and we are here to be part of the inauguration of the Addis Light Rail Transit," said Mussie.

"I believe this is going to be the first but not the last," he added.

The east-west corridor of the AA-LRT project extends 17.35 kilometres, stretching from Ayat Village to Tor Hailoch, and passes through Megenagna, Legehar and Mexico Square; and the north-south line is 16.9 kilometres in length, passing through Menelik II Square, Merkato, Lideta, Legehar, Meskel Square, Gotera and Kality.

Rahel Yifru is another resident whom Xinhua approached while she was aboard on one of the trains in the corridor between Kality area and Menelik II Square.

Rahel said she is excited to be part of the historical event.

"This is very exciting and historical event. This is very important for the country, especially for the city regarding solving the major transport problem that we face every day; I am very happy," said Rahel.

Befikadu Beyene, and Woizero Abrehet, who were at a place where the inaugural ceremony has taken place, said they are very happy about the commencement of the operation of the AA-LRT project.

Bezawit Sisay, another Addis Ababa resident, who is also a train hostess, told Xinhua that she is very happy about seeing the rail go operational and also being a member of staff for rail transport services.

"First of all we are very happy because we are the first staff of this light rail. It is a landmark for the country as it is the first one here. So, we are very happy. We are going to serve our customer with dedication. All of us work this job with sincerity and understanding each other," she said.

Other residents were in the streets, where the rail lines bypass, waving their hands as the inaugural rides were going on. Endit