Exciting developments in the Dakar Train Express Régional
The first trainset has officially been delivered for Phase II of the Dakar Train Express Régional (TER), a significant project aimed at enhancing transportation in Senegal. This new phase will extend the existing 36 km line from Dakar to Diamniadio by an additional 19 km, ultimately connecting to the Blaise Diagne International Airport. This extension is expected to greatly improve access to the airport and facilitate smoother travel for both residents and visitors.
The initial phase of the TER, which commenced operations in December 2021, is currently managed by Seter, a subsidiary of SNCF. This phase utilizes a fleet of 15 four-car Alstom Coradia Polyvalent electro-diesel trainsets, capable of reaching speeds of 160 km/h. The service frequency is impressive, with trains running every 10 minutes, and the system has already transported over 60 million passengers since its launch, showcasing its popularity and effectiveness in meeting the transportation needs of the region.
In preparation for the second phase, the public works agency APIX has placed an order for an additional seven trainsets from CAF. This company acquired the Coradia Polyvalent product platform along with the Reichshoffen factory from Alstom in August 2022, ensuring that the new trainsets will meet the high standards set by their predecessors.
The logistics of this operation involve shipping the trains from the port of Antwerpen to Dakar, where they will then be transported to the depot located in Colobane. The first of these new trainsets arrived in Senegal on October 11, and all seven are expected to be delivered by March 2025, just in time for the anticipated opening of the second phase later that year.
This expansion of the Dakar Train Express Régional not only represents a significant investment in the country’s infrastructure but also aligns with broader goals of enhancing public transportation and supporting economic growth. The completion of this project will undoubtedly contribute to a more efficient and accessible transport network, benefiting both the local population and the tourism sector..
