Algeria is on track to complete its crucial Western Mining Railway line before the end of 2025, according to Azzedine Fridi, Director General of the National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investment Projects. This ambitious timeline is ahead of the original contractual deadlines and reflects the instructions of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has emphasized the timely delivery of these strategic infrastructure projects.
Speaking to the national radio station, Fridi highlighted the project’s significance as part of Algeria’s new, strategically important railway network. He explained that the national railway system is divided into two segments: new construction projects, including the Eastern and Western Mining Railways, and the Trans-Saharan line connecting Algiers to Tamanrasset, ultimately reaching the borders with Mali and Niger. These railway expansions are vital for boosting Algeria’s economy and regional connectivity.
The Western Mining Railway is designed to facilitate the transportation of minerals and resources from key mining regions, boosting industrial activity and export capabilities. The efficient movement of these resources is expected to have a significant positive impact on the Algerian economy, creating jobs and attracting further investment in the mining sector.
In September, the Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djeloui, conducted a field visit to the Western Mining Railway project, specifically inspecting the 201-kilometer section between Abadla and Hamaquir. During the visit, he assessed the progress of the infrastructure work and emphasized the need for enhanced coordination among the construction companies involved. The Minister urged them to accelerate the pace of work to ensure the project’s completion within the set timeframe, initially targeted for the end of the current year.
The early completion of the Western Mining Railway will provide a substantial boost to Algeria’s mining industry, enabling the efficient transportation of extracted resources to processing facilities and export hubs. This enhanced logistical capacity is expected to attract further investment in the mining sector and create new opportunities for economic growth. The railway also promises to improve regional connectivity and facilitate trade, contributing to the overall development of Algeria’s infrastructure and economy. The Algerian government views this project as a cornerstone of its economic diversification strategy, aiming to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons and promote sustainable growth across various sectors.
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Source: External reference
