Havana - A group of norms updating the Cuban railroad transport policies with essential elements for good operation regarding security and training in the sector, are published today in the Gaceta Oficial de Cuba.

Decree Law 348 and its complementary norms looks to eliminate legislative dispersion in this activity, indicated in a press conference at the headquarters of the Cuban Railroad Union the Director of the Railroad Transport Management, Ronald Boffil.

It also updates the protocols regarding operation and security of the railroad system and is a vital support for the development program of the sector until 2030, including modernization of infrastructure with all its component and rolling material, added Boffil.

Among other questions, he clarified, the new juridical framework looks also to regulate everything related to auxiliary and related services, as well as the organization of operators of this transport system.

One of the most relevant aspects, he considered, is the creation of the National Management Committee of Railroad Security, thanks to which the adoption of correcting and preventive actions to minimize incidents originated in this transport system.

In the opinion of the General Director of the Railroad Union, Eduardo Hernandez, these norms provide the necessary tools to qualify, prepare and certify the railroad workers. The enactment of these regulations implies the training of over 21 thousand 600 workers, he said.

Also, the design of a railroad security certification entails the qualification of over three thousand persons who previously did not need such requirement to do their work, added Hernandez.

The General Director of the Railroad Union also detailed that the enactment of this group of norms cannot be seen in an isolated manner, because it responds to steps taken in the improvement of this service.

As part of the modernization of the railroad fleet, he said, locomotives of high performance will soon be added to the medium force ones already existing in the country of Russian origin.

He elaborated there exists a working contract for the modernization of one of the workshops to be converted in a repair factory of these machines.

It is also planned in this factory to also produce aggregates such as starting motors and compressors.

The new legal framework, contained in the Gaceta Extraordinaria number 42, will be enacted 30 days after its publication.