Béchar, Algeria – Technical trials have commenced on the western mining railway line connecting Béchar, Tindouf, and Gara Djebilet. This marks a pivotal step forward in one of Algeria’s most significant strategic mineral transport projects.
The National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investment Projects (ANESRIF) announced the start of these initial tests. According to ANESRIF, Director-General Azzedine Fridi oversaw a trial run departing from the Tindouf station toward Béchar. A specially equipped locomotive was used for the tests, with central executives, project managers, and representatives from national institutions and the Chinese partner involved in the project present.
This infrastructure project spans approximately 950 kilometers along the Béchar-Tindouf-Gara Djebilet axis. Construction was completed in record time after work began in late 2023, under the direct supervision of ANESRIF as the project owner.
The primary goal of the western mining line is to develop the giant Gara Djebilet iron ore mine. It also aims to reduce the isolation of the southwestern provinces by connecting them to a modern transport network. This network will include passenger and freight transport services, with planned stations in Tindouf, Amgala, Gara Djebilet, Tebelbala, Hammaguir, and Abadla.
The majority of the work on this line was carried out by leading national companies, such as Cosider Public Works and the National Public Works Company, along with specialized railway infrastructure companies. The China Railway Construction Corporation contributed as a foreign partner.
ANESRIF further stated that final touches are being applied to the project in preparation for its commissioning. This aligns with the directives issued by the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, during the Council of Ministers meeting on November 16, 2025.
The railway line is expected to be a significant driver of economic development. It will support the mining industry and strengthen logistical connections between the south and the rest of the country, in line with the state’s strategic vision for diversifying the national economy. The project is expected to be operational soon.
