The Dakar Regional Express Train (TER) project has just reached a major technical milestone. The line connecting Dakar to Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) is now fully connected and electrified, marking a strategic step forward for Senegal’s national mobility system and for the completion of Phase 2 of the project.
In a statement released on 15 December 2025, APIX-SA, the project owner of the TER, announced the successful completion of integration tests covering power supply, signalling systems, rolling stock and railway infrastructure. These tests, carried out on the Dakar–AIBD section, confirm the full interoperability of all rail subsystems and validate the technical completion of this critical phase.
Safety as the top priority
To carry out these sensitive operations, passenger services on the TER were exceptionally suspended from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December 2025. This planned and controlled interruption was necessary to conduct major technical works under optimal safety conditions.
More than one hundred specialists were mobilised to ensure the success of the tests, including international experts from Spain, Turkey, Portugal, France and Canada, alongside numerous Senegalese professionals. This collaboration enabled significant knowledge transfer and contributes to the long-term strengthening of national expertise in railway professions—an essential factor for the sustainability of the network.
Full electrification to the airport
One of the most symbolic milestones was achieved on 14 December 2025 at 5:19 pm, with the energisation of the overhead catenary on the section linking Dakar to AIBD. This operation completes the electrification of the railway line all the way to the international airport.
By way of reminder, the catenary for Phase 1 was energised on 3 August 2021, ahead of the commercial launch of services on 27 December 2021. The continuity of electrification between the two phases therefore represents a decisive step toward full operation of the corridor.
Final steps before commercial launch
At this stage, the remaining work consists of performance testing and high-speed trials, which will be conducted in line with regulatory requirements and international railway safety standards. These steps are essential prior to the commercial commissioning of Phase 2.
APIX-SA is working closely with the National TER Company (SENTER), in its role as railway safety authority, as well as with all stakeholders, to obtain the required Safety Certification. The stated objective is to enable commercial operations of Phase 2 before the end of the first half of 2026, in full compliance with international railway safety standards.
A historic milestone for Senegalese mobility
The first TER run to Blaise Diagne International Airport confirms the regional and international vocation of the Dakar Regional Express Train. Beyond its technical achievement, this milestone reinforces Senegal’s ambition to develop modern, reliable and transformative transport infrastructure capable of supporting the country’s urban, economic and tourism growth.
With Dakar now effectively connected to its main air hub, the TER stands out more than ever as a pillar of sustainable mobility and a benchmark for modern rail transport in West Africa.
