Gabon Railway upgrade
As Phase One of the railway upgrade in Gabon, undertaken by the Société d'Exploitation du Transgabonais (SETRAG), nears completion, the Government of Gabon and SETRAG have recently committed to advancing the project into its next phase. This agreement, marking a significant milestone, was officially signed on June 19, 2024, by Christian Magni, the CEO of SETRAG, and Loic Ndinga Moudouma, the minister responsible for overseeing the project.
The forthcoming phase of the railway upgrade aims to build upon the objectives set during Phase One. This involves renewing the railway infrastructure by replacing the existing wooden sleepers with more durable bi-block concrete ones. Additionally, the ongoing replacement of the lighter 50 kg rails, initiated between Owendo and Ndjolé, will be extended to 60 kg rails. This new agreement stipulates that the rail replacement will continue all the way up to Franceville, thereby covering the entire railway network. The anticipated duration for this extensive work is projected to be between three to four years.
The Gabonese State has committed to providing funding primarily for civil engineering works and extensive earthworks necessary for the railway’s renovation. This commitment stems from joint studies and surveys conducted by both SETRAG and government officials following the severe landslide in 2022, which had disrupted railway operations for several months.
Moreover, the financial support from the Gabonese State will facilitate the acquisition of new passenger trains. The existing trains, which were bought second-hand in 2012 and 2016, are now nearing the end of their operational life span and need to be replaced to ensure continued reliable service.
Currently, out of the total 648 kilometers of the railway, 300 kilometers have already been renewed, and 225 kilometers of new, sturdier rails have been laid down. The second phase of the railway works will focus on the sections between Alembé-Ndjolé-Lopé and Milolé-Franceville. These works, which will extend until 2028, aim to replace the entire current section of the 50 kg rail with the more robust 60 kg rail and renew all wooden sleepers with bi-block concrete ones.
While the first phase of the Programme de Renouvellement du Chemin de Fer (PRN) had a total cost of 230 billion CFA francs, the projected cost for the second phase is significantly higher, amounting to 350 billion CFA francs. Of this total, 130 billion will be financed by the Gabonese State, and the remaining 220 billion will be covered by SETRAG. This significant financial investment underscores the importance of the project and the collaborative effort between the government and SETRAG to enhance Gabon's railway infrastructure, ensuring it meets modern standards and supports the country's economic growth.
The substantial improvements in the railway infrastructure are expected to have a far-reaching impact on Gabon's transportation system, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of both freight and passenger services. This ambitious project will not only improve connectivity within Gabon but also bolster economic activities by facilitating smoother and faster transportation of goods and people across the region. The collaborative efforts between the government and SETRAG demonstrate a shared commitment to sustainable development and modernization of critical infrastructure, positioning Gabon as a key player in the regional transport network
