Mozambique’s national railway operator, Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM), has officially inaugurated three new passenger locomotives, marking a key step in the country’s efforts to expand and modernise its passenger rail services. The ceremony was held at the recently inaugurated Terminal B of the Central Railway Station, less than ten months after its commissioning.
The event was graced by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, who was welcomed by the company’s leadership and employees. In a heartfelt address, CFM expressed gratitude for the Minister’s presence and highlighted the strategic importance of the new rolling stock.
The acquisition of these locomotives forms part of the government’s 100-day action plan, aimed at strengthening Mozambique’s public transport systems. The focus for the rail sector has been clear: increase passenger transport capacity while enhancing safety and comfort.
Enhancing Urban and Long-Distance Mobility
The newly acquired locomotives will be integrated into passenger services operating in the Maputo Metropolitan Region. These services are vital for the daily movement of thousands of commuters—men, women, and children—travelling to and from the capital. They will also be deployed on long-distance routes, notably those connecting Maputo to Chókwè and Chicualacuala.
Currently, CFM trains in the southern region transport an average of 24,500 passengers per day, with monthly ridership figures around 514,000. Punctuality rates are reported at 74%. With the additional locomotives, CFM anticipates daily passenger volumes to rise to 26,500, translating to an estimated 557,000 passengers per month. The operator also expects to raise its service reliability and punctuality to 95%, reinforcing the advantage of rail over other modes of transport.
Tourism Revival and Central Corridor Improvements
Beyond commuter services, the new locomotives will enable the revival of tourist train services, previously suspended to prioritise weekday passenger demand. These trains play an important role in domestic tourism, operating in collaboration with schools, travel agencies, and local organisations.
In the central region, CFM continues to operate key routes between Beira and Moatize, Machipanda, Dondo, Chimoio, and Marromeu, moving an average of 75,000 passengers monthly. A major rehabilitation of the Marromeu line is set to begin in the second half of the year. This upgrade—replacing steel sleepers with concrete ones and increasing rail strength from 30 kg/m to 40 kg/m—will cut journey times from 12 to 8 hours and support increased service frequency.
Operational Efficiencies and Freight Gains
The commissioning of these dedicated passenger locomotives allows CFM to redeploy its higher-capacity engines—previously used on long-distance passenger routes—for freight operations and terminal shunting duties. This reallocation is expected to boost the company’s freight haulage capacity, thereby increasing revenue. The added income will contribute to key social responsibility initiatives across maritime and rail passenger services, sport, culture, education, and healthcare.
Honouring Legacy and Celebrating Progress
The inauguration comes as CFM prepares to mark 130 years of operation on 8 July, coinciding with Mozambique’s 50th anniversary of independence. The company took pride in acknowledging its ongoing contribution to national development and reaffirmed its commitment to serving the Mozambican people.
Source : RAILWAYS AFRICA
