| Abstract: | Abstract 
In  this  days  project  management  knowledge  and  practices  becomes  very 
essential due to the fact that managing projects have been emerged complex 
and challenging from time to time. However, in Ethiopia, very little is studied 
about critical project success factors, measuring criteria, project management 
knowledge areas, tools and techniques. The aim of this study is to assess the 
critical  success  factors  and  challenges  of  the  overall  railway  construction 
project  success  in  Ethiopia.  The  study  design  was  explanatory.  Mixed 
approach  was  used  and  both  primary  and  secondary  data  were  collected 
using  questionnaires.  A  sample  of  79  respondents  was  selected  from  a 
population of 264. The study findings show that project success factors such 
as:  leadership  effectiveness,  project  team,  Contractors.  Competency,  cost 
Management,  communication  management,  time  management,  quality 
management, risk management, and stakeholder participation respectively are 
found to be critical factors to the project success. The study also concluded 
that  the  major  challenging  failure  factors  were:  investment  cost,  skilled 
manpower  in  the  sector,  project  integration  and  stakeholder  management, 
contract administration, and land topography. Thus, it is recommended that 
participation of relevant stakeholders such as: a farmer on the road sides, 
people to be displaced and others that may be affected by the project is very 
essential  for  successful  completion  of  projects.  The  Ethiopian  Railway 
Corporation  should  give  emphasis  on  improving  contract  administration 
practices,  integration  project  activities,  and  improving  the  project  quality 
management  activities.  In  addition  to  this,  Success  factors  that  have 
significant  effect  on  the  overall  success  of  the  railway  project  should  be 
managed selectively according to their effects. |