THE government of Gabon and Société d’exploitation du Transgabonais (SETRAG) have signed an agreement to launch the second phase of the Trans-Gabon Railway modernisation project. This extensive upgrade will focus on two key sections of the 648-kilometre railway, which connects the capital, Libreville, on the Atlantic coast with the southeastern city of Franceville.
The modernisation efforts will specifically target the sections from Ndjolé to Alamba and from Mvengué to Franceville. Key improvements include replacing the old 50 kg/m rails with heavier 60 kg/m rails and upgrading wooden sleepers to more durable two-block concrete ones.
This phase of the project is projected to cost CFA359bn (about $580 million). The Gabonese government will contribute CFA130bn, while SETRAG will provide the remaining CFA220bn. The project is expected to be completed by 2028, with the government also investing in new passenger rolling stock.
This modernisation follows the first phase of upgrades, which is nearing completion and focused on the section from the Owendo port, south of Libreville, to Ndjolé. That phase saw 300 kilometres of track renewed and 225 kilometres of new rails laid at a cost of CFA230bn.
SETRAG, under a concession agreement valid until 2035, operates both freight and passenger services on the Trans-Gabon Railway. The railway currently supports four passenger trains and 17 freight trains per week. In 2022, it transported 248,000 passengers and 10.9 million tons of cargo.
The Trans-Gabon Railway has a long history, dating back to its initial planning in 1885. Construction began in the 1970s, and the railway was completed in stages by 1987. Over the years, the railway has undergone several changes, including a significant route alteration for political reasons to keep manganese ore traffic within Gabonese borders. The railway was privatised in 1999, and discussions have continued about potentially extending the line to Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo.
This new phase of modernisation marks a significant step in enhancing Gabon’s rail infrastructure, ensuring the railway remains a vital link for both passenger and freight transport in the region.
