Algeria is preparing to inaugurate a major new railway infrastructure designed to boost its mining sector. The Béchar – Gara Djebilet line, which also runs through Tindouf, is expected to be commissioned before the end of the year. Stretching an impressive 950 km, this railway represents a colossal investment for the country and a crucial initiative to open up southwestern Algeria.
Project Progress and National Priority
Minister of Public Works Abdelkader Djellaoui recently confirmed that the project is in its final phase. Teams are actively working on the last connections, and the Oued Dawra viaduct—a key and complex component of the project—is scheduled for delivery in October. Authorities regard this line as a national priority, and construction is progressing in line with the established timeline.
Objective: Exploiting the Gara Djebilet Iron Ore Deposit
The primary goal of the Béchar – Tindouf – Gara Djebilet line is to facilitate the exploitation of the vast iron ore deposit located at Gara Djebilet. Divided into three major sections totaling 950 km, the line is designed to connect the extraction site directly to processing and export routes. This demonstrates the government’s determination to accelerate the development of its mineral resources while improving the country’s logistical competitiveness.
A Strategy to Expand the National Railway Network
This new infrastructure is part of a broader ambition to modernize and expand Algeria’s railway network. The country plans to extend its coverage to 15,000 km by 2030—a considerable leap from the 4,722 km recorded in 2023. For comparison, the network counted just 1,000 km after independence and 1,700 km in 2000. The expected expansion to 6,500 km in the coming months marks a significant milestone, underscoring the authorities’ strategy to shift a substantial share of freight traffic from road to rail. This approach aims to streamline trade flows and ease the heavy burden on road infrastructure.
