Algiers – The National Railway Transport Company (SNTF) successfully transported nearly 6 million tons of goods in 2024, marking a 12% increase compared to 2023, according to a company official.
Sofiane Aïbeche, Director of Management Control and Contributions at SNTF, stated that the company achieved this growth due to a “qualitative increase” in the transportation of iron pellets to the Algerian-Qatari Steel Plant in Jijel, as well as phosphate shipments for export.
Passenger Transport Declines Slightly
In the passenger transport sector, SNTF carried 32.5 million passengers in 2024, reflecting an 8% decrease compared to the previous year. Aïbeche attributed this decline to the suspension of train services between Oran and Béchar for several months due to sand encroachment and flooding in the region. Additionally, the cancellation of several trips resulted from the rescheduling of train services due to ongoing rehabilitation works on key sections in the Algiers suburbs.
Operational Performance
Throughout 2024, SNTF operated a total of 113,015 trips, including 21,213 freight trips and 91,802 passenger trips. The company’s revenue also increased by 3.8%, reaching 2.8 billion Algerian dinars. Aïbeche highlighted that this growth, recorded for the second consecutive year, “reflects SNTF’s tangible contribution to promoting the national economy and boosting non-hydrocarbon exports.”
Key Achievements in 2024
The company achieved several milestones in 2024, including the launch of an international passenger line between Algeria and Tunisia, the commissioning of the Khenchela-Constantine train route, and the introduction of new lines such as Thenia-Afroun and Zéralda-Regaïa. Additionally, the Chlef-Afroun line was inaugurated, further expanding the railway network.
2035 Strategy: Major Investments in Railway Equipment
As part of its new strategy extending to 2035, SNTF plans to launch a comprehensive program to acquire various types of railway equipment, including high-capacity locomotives, passenger cars, self-propelled trains, high-speed trains, freight wagons, and shunting locomotives. The program, with an estimated budget of 378 billion dinars, will be funded in phases. The first phase, allocated 138 billion dinars, will focus on acquiring 400 passenger cars and locomotives.
Aïbeche emphasized that the primary goal of this investment program is to “localize the production of railway equipment by attracting manufacturers and investors in this field.” This initiative aims to meet SNTF’s immediate needs and eventually position Algeria as an exporter of railway equipment, leveraging the country’s significant industrial potential.
Modernization of Stations and Ticketing Systems
SNTF also plans to rehabilitate 94 passenger stations and conduct comprehensive studies for the redevelopment of eight major stations in Algiers, Sidi Bel Abbès, Oran, Souk Ahras, Skikda, Annaba, Chlef, and Ain Témouchent. Additionally, the company is working to install automated ticket vending machines at stations nationwide to reduce queues and simplify daily transactions for passengers. Aïbeche confirmed that this process is progressing “at a good pace,” with the tender specifications currently under review by the procurement committee.
Conclusion
SNTF’s achievements in 2024 and its ambitious 2035 strategy underscore its commitment to enhancing Algeria’s railway infrastructure and contributing to the nation’s economic development. By modernizing its equipment and services, the company aims to improve efficiency, boost exports, and provide better transportation solutions for citizens.
By Nor Eleslam, Journalist at Dzwatch.dz
