Born out of a colonial system aimed at pillaging national resources, the Algerian railway network has transpired since independence into a structural tool serving economic development, territorial integration, and industrial support.
Sixty-three years after regaining sovereignty, the railway remains vital to the nation's development dynamics, notably through projects to modernize the network, extend it to the Grand South, and develop strategic mining lines.
The first railway line in Algeria dates back to the mid-19th century, connecting Algiers to Blida, accompanied by a mining line in Annaba province linking the Kherraza iron mine to the inland port of Oued Sébouse.
Designed for purely colonial functional logic, this infrastructure primarily aimed to facilitate the extraction and export of natural resources, without consideration for local development.
At independence in 1962, Algeria inherited a decrepit, technically and functionally heterogeneous network, prompting a special railway program within a new national development vision. Thanks to this, infrastructure was rehabilitated and the network gradually extended to various regions.
In 2007, the National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investments (ANESRIF) was established, tasked with programming and leading major sector projects.
Notable projects include the 1,000 km High Plateaus line from Tébessa to Sidi Bel Abbès, the modernization of the Northern corridor, and the Western mining line.
Since 2020, the railway sector has entered an unprecedented momentum with the expansion of the national network, reflecting the State’s will to foster sustainable transport and strengthen economic and social development across the territory.
With mobilized human and financial resources, Algeria has embarked on an ambitious modernization and network strengthening process, bringing rail length to 4,787 km, aiming for 6,500 km in the short term, then 15,000 km by 2030.
To realize this ambition, a public railway group was established in 2024, comprising four specialized companies in studies, electrification, infrastructure, and works management, ensuring effective management of structuring projects like mining lines and the trans-Saharan corridor.
Ongoing projects include the Touggourt–Hassi Messaoud line (154 km), the Béchar–Gara Djebilet mining corridor (950 km) expected by end‑2025, the Annaba–Tébessa Eastern mining line (422 km) with its southern section (Djebel El‑Onk–Oued Kebrit) completed, while the central and northern sections are underway to improve ore transport to the Port of Annaba.
Simultaneously, projects connecting industrial zones, cement plants, silos, and fuel depots to the rail network are in development.
Significant efforts are also underway to modernize signaling and electronic management systems through international partnerships.
A substantial budget has been allocated for the renewal of rolling stock, including modern locomotives, long-distance climate-controlled passenger trains, and freight wagons.
A national program has also been initiated to rehabilitate and modernize 75 train stations for passenger services.
Within its new railway program, Algeria is resolutely advancing the connection of the South to the national network through five strategic corridors: Algiers–Niger border (2,439 km), Oran–Malian border (2,480 km), Béchar–Gara Djebilet (950 km), Jijel–Djanet–extending to the Libyan border (2,275 km), Annaba–Touggourt (780 km).
Some sections are operational, others under implementation or study, aiming to strengthen the North–South link and foster balanced, inclusive development.
While awaiting the completion of these bold projects, rail remains an essential pillar within Algeria’s economic diversification strategy, offering efficient, sustainable transportation beneficial to both citizens and investors.
Source: APS.