Madagascar Launches Urban Train Service in Antananarivo to Ease Capital’s Congestion
Madagascar has introduced a promising new passenger train service in its capital, Antananarivo, aiming to offer residents a fast, comfortable, and reliable alternative for daily commuting while addressing the city’s growing traffic congestion. The 16-kilometre Train Urbain connects Soarano station in the city centre with Ambohimanambola, marking a significant step in the government’s broader efforts to revitalise the country’s railway sector.
Officially launched on December 16, the service currently operates two daily trips, departing at 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with a journey time ranging from 55 to 65 minutes. The trains consist of a locomotive and two coaches, accommodating up to 300 passengers per trip. Director General of Land Transport at the Ministry of Transport & Meteorology, Jhanard Privat Andriamiarantsoa, emphasised the service’s affordability, designed to be accessible for all segments of the population.
Plans are already underway to introduce a second train, which will help improve service reliability and increase frequency, responding to anticipated rider demand. Operational management has been entrusted to a dedicated entity under the ministry’s supervision, led by Director of Rail Transport Nestor Mamitiana Raveloson.
Beyond urban transit, this initiative forms part of a national strategy to rejuvenate Madagascar’s extensive but underutilised railway network. Key projects include ongoing discussions with international financial partners to rehabilitate the crucial Antananarivo – Toamasina corridor, a vital economic artery connecting the capital to the country’s primary port city. Another focus is the restoration of the Fianarantsoa-Côte Est (FCE) railway, a separate 160-kilometre line critical to regional development.
The government has committed subsidies to support the FCE route, recognising it not merely as a transportation link but as a foundational driver for regional economic growth. This holistic approach aims to leverage railway infrastructure improvements to stimulate trade, tourism, and social connectivity across Madagascar.
For African transport and tourism stakeholders, Madagascar’s urban train launch signals a renewed commitment to sustainable mobility solutions within rapidly urbanising environments. It also highlights the potential of rail as an economic catalyst beyond metropolitan areas, aligning with broader continental goals of improving infrastructure, reducing road congestion, and fostering inclusive development.
As Madagascar continues to rebuild and modernise its railways, the capital’s Train Urbain service represents a tangible step towards enhanced urban mobility, with benefits extending to environmental sustainability, commuter convenience, and the economic vitality of the island nation.
