The Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, emphasized the critical need to expedite the Eastern Mining Railway project during a visit to Souk Ahras on Thursday. The project, a vital component of Algeria’s economic strategy, aims to enhance the transport of mineral resources and bolster national competitiveness.
During an inspection of the construction site at Tunnel Exit No. 8 in Wilan, spanning 2.5 kilometers, Minister Djellaoui acknowledged the significant technical challenges posed by the terrain. The 121-kilometer section connecting Bouchgouf (Guelma), Souk Ahras, and Driaa faces difficulties due to its complex topography, which includes 10 tunnels and 42 bridges. This necessitates meticulous coordination and a carefully planned acceleration of work.
The Minister affirmed his commitment to closely monitoring the project’s progress and urged local authorities to remove any obstacles hindering its advancement. He stressed the importance of developing a precise plan for completion and ensuring the allocation of all necessary material and human resources to meet contractual deadlines and maintain high-quality execution.
Djellaoui also inspected Tunnel Exit No. 5 in Souk Ahras, which extends 2.4 kilometers, and instructed project managers to accelerate construction and contribute to its efficient completion. He highlighted that 174 kilometers of the Eastern Mining Railway, specifically the section linking Bled El Hadba in Bir El Ater (Tebessa) to Oued El Kebarit in Souk Ahras, is ready for handover.
Minister Djellaoui reiterated that this project is an integral part of the doubling, correction, and modernization of the Annaba-Bouchgouf (Guelma)-Tebessa axis, covering a distance of 422 kilometers. It is also integrated within the larger phosphate exploitation project, a strategic pillar for supporting the national economy. This initiative is expected to enhance the transportation of mineral resources, ensure seamless supply chains, and improve the competitiveness of Algerian products in global markets. Furthermore, it will contribute to establishing sustainable development dynamics across the concerned regions. The successful completion of the Eastern Mining Railway is viewed as a crucial step in Algeria’s economic diversification and growth strategy.
