African Development Bank Funds 495km Algerian Railway
Preparatory work is advancing on a strategic 495-kilometer railway project in Algeria, set to link the southern and central regions of Laghouat, Ghardaïa, and El Meniaa. This initiative forms part of Algeria’s broader efforts to expand its national rail network and strengthen connectivity, particularly with its southern territories. Algerian authorities are actively accelerating coordination and financing procedures ahead of the construction phase for this significant infrastructure development, which is being financed by the African Development Bank.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Abdelkader Djellaoui recently chaired a meeting of the high-level joint ministerial committee responsible for monitoring the project's financing and implementation arrangements. The gathering at the ministry’s headquarters included representatives from a range of key ministries and institutions, such as the Finance Ministry, the Interior, Local Assemblies and Transport sector, Agriculture and Rural Development and Fisheries, Posts and Telecommunications, Energy and Renewable Energies, Water Resources, and Industry. Also in attendance were representatives from the National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investments (Anesrif), alongside the directors general of the National Railway Transport Company (SNTF) and the National Equipment Fund for Development. Discussions focused on the progress of preparatory procedures required for the project’s formal launch and measures to address potential operational and field-related obstacles, with particular attention given to sections connecting Ouargla with El Meniaa, followed by routes linking El Meniaa with In Salah and Tamanrasset.
Minister Djellaoui underscored the necessity for closer coordination and faster execution among various sectors and stakeholders, including local authorities, to finalize outstanding procedures and ensure that implementation commences within the established timetable. He expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved during the preparatory phase, noting that the work completed so far is expected to create the necessary conditions for moving into the construction phase in line with the planned schedule. This strategic project is anticipated to improve transport links between southern wilayas, strengthen overall rail infrastructure, and enhance the integration of inland and southern areas with Algeria's main economic corridors.
