Chinese-built desert railway opens in Algeria, marking milestone in African infrastructure

A desert heavy-haul railway constructed by a Chinese company officially opened to traffic in western Algeria on Sunday, marking the first such project by Chinese enterprises in Africa. The 950-kilometer Western Railway Mining Line was inaugurated during a ceremony in Bechar province, where Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced the start of operations. The event was attended by over 100 representatives from diplomatic missions, including Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Dong Guangli.

Built by China Railway Construction Corp (CRCC) in partnership with local state-owned firms, the project connects Bechar province with the Gara Djebilet iron ore mine in Tindouf province. CRCC and its local partners were responsible for 575 kilometers of the line, making it the largest infrastructure project undertaken by Chinese companies in Algeria.

President Tebboune praised the Chinese builders for overcoming harsh natural conditions, noting the project set a record for construction speed. Over 8,000 Chinese and Algerian workers completed the railway section in just 24 months, despite temperatures exceeding 50 C in parts of the Sahara Desert.

The project introduced several technical innovations, including the first prestressed concrete sleepers designed for mixed operation of 32.5-ton axle-load freight trains and passenger trains running at speeds up to 120 km/h. Advanced Chinese equipment, such as long-rail laying machines and flash-butt welding production lines, significantly improved construction efficiency.

According to local media, the railway is expected to transport up to 50 million metric tons of iron ore annually, support passenger services along the route, and create at least 3,000 jobs during operation, boosting regional connectivity and economic development.