The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) is undergoing an intensive upgrade of its railway network to revitalise this crucial transportation infrastructure.
FSC board chairman Pradeep Lal said this upgrade was needed because of the loss that the corporation incurred.
“In the past, the railway network was the primary conduit for delivering 70 per cent of the cane to the mills,” Mr Lal said.
“However, the utilisation of the railway network has diminished to approximately 10 per cent.
“Hence, a pressing imperative exists to undertake comprehensive upgrades to revitalise this crucial transportation infrastructure.”
Mr Lal said this much needed overhaul had several significant advantages.
“These include the restoration of operational efficiency, cost reduction and exploration of sustainable transportation applications.
“The vision for this initiative is not merely to restore a historical transportation system, but to establish a modern, efficient and eco-friendly network that underpins the sustainability and success of the industry.”
Mr Lal said the corporation also planned to transform an existing mill into a state of the art facility.
“This initiative holds numerous benefits and a promising vision for FSC.
“These include enhanced efficiency, value added facilities and sustainability.
“Notably, the TCTS (tonnes of cane to tonnes of sugar) ratio is anticipated to undergo a significant reduction.
“Presently, the TCTS stands at 10.5, however, following the introduction of the new mill, it is projected to improve to approximately 7.5.
“This accomplishment reflects a strategic leap toward enhanced operational efficiency.”
