STATE-OWNED railway operator PT Korea Ape Indonesia (PT KAI), is receiving from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) a US$593,954 grant to devise recommendations to upgrade its rail signalling and telecommunications systems.

    The works are needed to meet greater demand while ensuring the safety of the railway network, reports the American Shipper. The grant will fund a technical assistance programme that includes a review of existing rail transport corridors, recommendations for systems upgrades, and training workshops for capacity building for PT KAI rail operators and managers.

   "US companies are eager to work and invest in Indonesia's growing economic market and this grant will assist in facilitating that relationship," US Ambassador Scot Marcie was cited as saying in a statement.

(source:http://www.schednet.com/home/index.asp?area=news)