Trans-Maghreb Railway: A New Phase of Construction and Prospects for North Africa
28.08.2024
The Trans-Maghreb Railway project, an ambitious initiative to create a unified railway network in North Africa, is approaching a critical phase, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
The main objective of this project is to enhance economic and social interaction between Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, which requires the modernization of existing railway corridors from Casablanca to Tunis.
Significant progress has already been made in conducting feasibility and technical studies, making the development goals of the project quite satisfactory.
Despite current regional challenges, the project is moving forward.
Recent updates indicate that, although the main results have already been achieved and meet the stated requirements, studies on optimizing the use of remaining funds are still ongoing.
Political disagreements between Morocco and Algeria remain a key obstacle, affecting the official validation of the project by all participating countries.
In response, the project team has chosen a strategy of bilateral agreements to maintain progress.
With the successful completion of construction, the Trans-Maghreb Railway promises a significant increase in GDP for all participating countries, as well as strengthening regional ties.
This project could become a significant step forward for the African railway sector, especially important in the context of increasing economic globalization.
The modernization of the existing railway network covers key sections: the reconstruction of the Fes-Oujda line in Morocco, the restoration of the border section between Morocco and Algeria (Oujda — Akid Abbas), and the construction of a new railway link between Algeria and Tunisia from Annaba to Jendouba.
In addition, the Jendouba — Jedaida section in Tunisia will be upgraded.
The improved infrastructure is expected to reduce travel time between Casablanca and Tunis from 48 to less than 25 hours, significantly increasing the attractiveness of rail transport for passengers and freight shippers.
The project also includes significant technological upgrades.
The electrification of the network using a 2×25 kV system and the introduction of the ERTMS level 2 signaling and control system will improve operational performance and safety.
These measures aim to enhance efficiency and the overall quality of railway services in the region.
With an estimated budget of USD 4 billion, the project is currently in the feasibility study phase and is already being seen as a catalyst for increasing regional connectivity and economic integration in North Africa.
It also lays the groundwork for a possible expansion of the network into Libya and Mauritania.
The implementation of the Trans-Maghreb Railway is a crucial element of a long-term strategy for the development of railway communication in Africa.
In the future, the project could serve as an example of successful cooperation on the continent, demonstrating how infrastructure modernization contributes to overall economic growth and development.
Photo, source: railwaysafrica
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