Algeria has inaugurated the 950-km-long Béchar–Tindouf–Gara Djebilet railway line, a major strategic project intended to open up the mining region of Gara Djebilet and stimulate national and regional development. The line will transport both freight and passengers, thus guaranteeing industrial growth while also providing a source of social progress for the communities located along the corridor. One of the partners in the construction of the line is the Algerian National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investment (Agence nationale d’études et de suivi de la réalisation des investissements ferroviaires – ANESRIF), a leading UIC member in Africa.

The project follows the corridor development model, an approach that has proven itself worldwide and is strongly encouraged by UIC, and which ensures integrated and sustainable economic transformation. It also illustrates the crucial role played by inland railway corridors in supporting ports, mining areas and industrial centres by providing effective logistics and low carbon emissions.

UIC welcomes this example of major industrial players adopting rail as part of a global and environmentally-friendly development strategy. The rapid progress of the project once again showcases what it is possible to achieve when all stakeholders work effectively together towards a common vision.

The train on the longest viaduct in Africa, spanning 4.111 kilometres over the Oued Dawra riverbed. A capacity of 32.5 tonnes per axle facilitates the transport of large volumes of freight, as well as passengers. The Algerian National Rail Transportation Company (Société Nationale des Transports Ferroviaires – SNTF), a UIC member since 1929, is currently operating two passenger trains departing from Tindouf and Béchar.