2. Metropolitan railways

SYNOPSIS. Metropolitan railways are particularly expensive. Developing countries are particularly poor. Thus the question of affordability is very stark as compared with decisions on priorities in developed countries. Because of this anyone engaged in metro design, financing and construction in developing countries would do well to understand the political and social environment in which decisions are made. This paper discusses some of the issues.

Introduction

This is a paper about Metropolitan railways (metros) in developing countries given to a conference at the Institution of Civil Engineers. Yet i t has nothing to say about foundation engineering or heavy construction. There is nothing about energy consumption or methods of power supply. Why is this?