Mozambique’s government says it will complete the Ressano Garcia Line upgrade with a fresh €193.3 million railway investment. The plan includes doubling the last 25km of track from Movene to Ressano and buying new trains to support growing demand.
Project factsheet
-
Project: Ressano Garcia Line Track Doubling
-
Location: Southern Mozambique, between Movene and Ressano
-
Investment: €193.3 million
-
Lead agency: Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM)
-
First phase: Completed in September 2024 (Maputo to Secongene)
-
New capacity: From 13M to 24M tonnes of freight annually
-
Additional purchases:
-
30+ passenger coaches
-
15 locomotives
-
250 freight wagons
-
-
Technology partner: CRRC Ziyang (China)
Ressano Garcia Line enters final stretch
Transport Minister João Matlombe said the Ressano Garcia Line is key to linking Mozambique with South Africa. The remaining 25km will now be doubled to complete the route.
The first phase was done last year. It included doubling the track from Maputo to Secongene and expanding Maputo Central Station. This has already raised freight capacity from 13 to 24 million tonnes per year.
New trains to support growing demand
Matlombe added that the government will buy over 30 passenger coaches, 15 locomotives, and 250 wagons. These will meet rising demand, especially for moving minerals.
CFM recently received the first three SDD1 diesel-electric locomotives from CRRC Ziyang. Each locomotive delivers 1.62MW of power, and CRRC Ziyang designed it to withstand African conditions.
The 1067mm-gauge trains include smart cooling systems, modular air intakes, and real-time monitoring to improve performance.
“These three are the first of 15,” said Matlombe. “They will help us move more people and goods across southern and central Mozambique.”
READ ALSO: China to Provide $1.4 Billion for Tanzania-Zambia Railway Rehabilitation
Investment aims to boost trade with South Africa
This Mozambique railway investment is not just about new trains. It will also strengthen trade with South Africa and improve the country’s rail logistics.
By finishing the Ressano Garcia Line, Mozambique will improve cross-border travel and cargo flow. The upgrades also show Mozambique’s goal to modernise its transport network and support long-term economic growth.
