Mozambique to complete track doubling of Ressano Garcia Line

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Mozambique to complete track doubling of Ressano Garcia Line

8:52 CAT | 02 May 2025

File photo: MMO

The government of Mozambique has announced a €193.3m investment in a key track doubling project in the south of the country along with plans to procure new passenger coaches, locomotives and wagons over the next five years.

Minister of transport and logistics, João Matlombe, confirmed that the funding would support the completion of track doubling on the remaining 25km Movene – Ressano section of the Maputo – Ressano Garcia line, which connects Mozambique and South Africa.

Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM) completed the first phase of the track doubling project between Maputo and Secongene in September 2024. The €80m project also included the expansion of the Central Station in Maputo and has increased freight capacity on the route from 13 million tonnes to 24 million tonnes per year.

In addition, Matlombe confirmed the investment in more than 30 passenger coaches, along with 15 locomotives and 250 wagons to meet the growing demand for transport of minerals by rail.

Chinese locomotives

The minister made the announcement during the unveiling of the first three 1.62MW SDD1 locomotives ordered from CRRC Ziyang.

These will help to increase the capacity of passenger services operated by CFM in the Greater Maputo area and CRRC says the 1067mm-gauge locomotive has been specially adapted to suit African operating conditions. This includes a 16.5-tonne axleload, use of an efficient cooling system, including a corrugated louvre structure and a modular air intake unit. An intelligent control system also provides real-time monitoring.

“The three locomotives we are inaugurating today are part of a batch of 15 to be acquired to increase traction capacity to meet the growing demand for transport services on the country’s southern and central railway system,” Matlombe said.

Source: Rail Journal