The Trans-Desert Railway Project is a large-scale rail infrastructure development planned in Algeria. The project involves the development of a 2,400-kilometre railway network intended to link the northern and southern regions of the country. Feasibility studies for the project are nearing completion, according to statements from Algeria’s National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investment.

The agency reported that studies covering approximately 1,084 kilometres of the proposed rail line have been completed, with assessments for the remaining sections underway. The development forms part of Algeria’s broader programme to expand and modernise its national railway network.

Once completed, it is expected that the North and South parts of the country will be seamlessly connected via rail. Part of the line will link the capital Algiers on the Northern Mediterranean coast. It will then stretch to Tamanrasset on the Southern border, close to Niger.

Other than the Trans-desert railway, Algeria has made commendable strides by completing its 575-kilometer Sahara railway project. Known as the Western Mining railway project, it is Africa’s first heavy-haul desert railway.

project has achieved a monumental achievement as full-track installation has been completed. The project, jointly constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and Algerian state-owned partners. Furthermore, it is the largest single infrastructure build by a Chinese firm in Algeria.

It stands as a commitment to economic cooperation under the Belt and Road initiative. The project’s delivery comes three months ahead of schedule, however, not without its struggles. Construction crews worked for more than 24 months under harsh desert conditions. Moreover, they overcame extreme heat, shifting sands and limited water supplies. As Africa’s first heavy-haul desert railway, it will handle 32.5-tonne axle-load freight trains.

The State of Affairs Regarding Algeria’s Trans-Desert Railway

The proposed railway line aims to include two major lines that will run parallel of each other. Mazar noted that the trans-desert railway project will include a second parallel line. The line is expected to not only link the two regions but also pass through 10 provinces with a length of 2,406km. The project’s implementation scope represents a well-thought approach to ensure that Algeria is connected through rail network. “We are working in line with instruction by the President of Algeria to execute projects to modernize and develop the country’s rail network,” he noted. “The main part of these projects include building a network that will reach the southernmost parts of Algeria. Especially the trans-desert line that will connect the capital with the border with Niger,” he added.

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The Significance of Algeria’s Ambitious Project

Algeria’s 2400km railway network project, the trans-desert railway, is expected to have immense significance in various areas. The most obvious is the transport sector where the project is seen as a crucial step in enhancing connectivity. In turn, this will facilitate in inter-regional trade and development of the provinces where the railway will pass through. Moreover, it will not only benefit the regions where the line is expected to pass, but the whole of Algeria. The initiative also aligns with Algeria’s broader development strategies. “We aim to modernize and expand Algeria’s railway system to meet national needs,” said Mazar.

The government is optimistic that the project will strengthen economic ties and improve access to remote regions. Furthermore, the successful implementation of this project will highlight Algeria’s focus on infrastructure development and its vision for sustainable growth. It also shows how the government prioritizes transport initiatives such as the trans-desert railway. Its successful completion will be essential in boosting logistics between key urban and rural areas, a commendable achievement. The nation still has other railway projects in the works such as the $4 billion Trans-Maghreb railway project.

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