URC requires around 650,000 precast concrete sleepers suitable for a
32.5-tonne axleload, together with 84 switches and crossings, 50,000
tonnes of UIC 60 E2 standard-grade rail and 5000 tonnes of UIC 60 E2
heat-treated grade rail, and 1.5 million tonnes of ballast. All of
these materials must be delivered between March 2012 and June 2013.
Full commercial services will start in 2014.

Union Railway says prequalified suppliers should be capable of being
nominated for the corresponding design and build packages, which will
be awarded in the second quarter of next year.

The deadline for expressions of interest is October 31 and
prequalification documents will be available for purchase from November
1.