Track Laying Completed on Priority Section of Africa’s First Desert Heavy-Haul Railway
A significant milestone has been achieved in the development of Africa’s first desert heavy-haul railway, as the 135-kilometer priority section of the Algeria Western Mining Railway Project has officially completed track laying. This achievement marks a major step forward for a project that is set to reshape Algeria’s transport and mining landscape and strengthen economic ties with international partners. The railway is being built by the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) in collaboration with Algerian state-owned enterprises, symbolizing one of the largest infrastructure undertakings by Chinese companies in Algeria to date.
Stretching a total length of 575 kilometers upon completion, the Algeria Western Mining Railway will connect the vast mineral-rich Gâra Djebilet mine deposits located in the Bechar and Tindouf provinces to industrial hubs and key ports. This new railway corridor is expected to dramatically enhance the efficiency of mineral resource transportation, forming a backbone for Algeria’s mining logistics. By linking remote mining regions with industrial zones and maritime gateways, the project will improve the competitiveness of Algeria’s mineral exports and contribute significantly to diversifying the national economy beyond oil and gas.
Constructing a railway through the Sahara Desert presented formidable challenges for the teams involved. Workers faced searing daytime temperatures, shifting sand dunes, scarce water resources, and demanding geological conditions. To overcome these harsh conditions, the project team developed innovative engineering methods tailored specifically for desert railway construction. One of the most notable outcomes has been the formulation of Algeria’s first comprehensive technical standards for desert heavy-haul railways, setting new benchmarks for future projects in similar environments.
The project has also been a platform for deep technological collaboration between China and Algeria. Cutting-edge Chinese track laying and rail welding technologies have been introduced to ensure the railway meets high standards of safety, durability, and operational efficiency. A modern, automated sleeper manufacturing facility was established onsite to produce the thousands of concrete sleepers required for the tracks, reducing logistical costs and ensuring quality control. The construction process has blended Chinese technological expertise with local knowledge and resources, fostering a meaningful transfer of skills and technical standards that will benefit Algeria’s railway industry in the long run.
Since construction commenced in December 2023, the project has progressed steadily despite the challenging conditions. Local authorities and communities have praised the project for adhering to a high level of safety and environmental stewardship while also delivering tangible economic benefits. Hundreds of local workers have been employed during the construction phase, and related industries such as cement production, steel manufacturing, and logistics have also experienced a boost in demand, generating new jobs and stimulating local economies.
Beyond the immediate economic impact, Algerian officials emphasize that the railway will play a transformative role in strengthening the country’s overall transportation infrastructure. By providing a direct, efficient route for heavy-haul freight from inland mining sites to coastal ports, the new railway will reduce dependency on road transport, lower carbon emissions, and open up remote southwestern regions to broader development opportunities. The integration of this line with the existing national rail network will further enhance connectivity between Algeria’s interior provinces and international markets.
Looking ahead, both Algeria and China are optimistic about the long-term impact of this landmark project. The successful completion of the priority section lays a strong foundation for the next phases of construction, bringing the vision of a fully operational desert heavy-haul railway closer to reality. Officials from both nations have signaled their commitment to deepening cooperation, viewing this project as part of a broader strategy to expand infrastructure investment, promote industrialization, and foster economic diversification across North Africa.
As work continues on the remaining sections of the Algeria Western Mining Railway, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved through international collaboration, technological innovation, and shared commitment to development. Once fully completed, the railway is expected to become a vital artery for Algeria’s mining exports and a model for similar projects across the African continent, paving the way for new opportunities in trade, industry, and regional integration.
